The Danville Fire Department was dispatched to 185 Sunset Drive for a possible house fire at 4:17am on 4/7/18. Before arriving on scene the fire could be seen several blocks away. E5 arrived at 4:23am to find a small one-story house with heavy fire showing. Houses on both sides were being compromised by the fire. The house on the left, 181 Sunset Dr., suffered a broken window from the heat. The house on the right, 185 Sunset Dr., suffered heat and flame damage to the siding. As engine companies arrived lines were pulled for a defensive attack. Quick work by the firefighters kept the house on each side from suffering more damage. The ladder truck was put into use to help put out the fire. The fire was knocked down at 5:00am. Due to the intensity of the fire no one was able to search inside for an extended period of time.A family member advised there was most likely an occupant in the house. Once the fire was controlled, a search was completed. One person was found inside the house deceased. The identity of the deceased has not been confirmed. The Fire Marshal's Office and the Danville Police Department will investigate and advise once the investigation is complete.This is the first civilian fatality of the year.
The DFD responded with 3 engines, 1 ladder truck, and 3 support vehicles. As of this release the Battalion Chief, Engine 5, and the Assistant Fire Marshal remain on scene.The DFD was assisted by the Danville Police Dept., the Danville Life Saving Crew, Power & Light, and Water & Gas.
Brian K. Alderson
Battalion Chief
