MEDIA RELEASE: State Fire Marshals Investigate Fire Fatality in Greenbrier Co.

 

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office has ruled a fatal fire in Greenbrier County as accidental.

 

The fire at 885 Kanawha Ave. in Rainelle occurred Wed., Aug. 10. It resulted in the death of a 61-year-old female.

 

The investigation indicates the victim was smoking cigarettes while using home oxygen.

 

Investigators found smoke alarms present in the home and they were operational.    

 

State Fire Marshal, Ken Tyree says, “Any fire related death, especially a preventable one is too many. The sad circumstances surrounding this investigation are ones we cannot repeat. This was a terrible fire for this family and the extended community. Smoking inside a home, especially one where home oxygen is used can have deadly consequences. We are losing too many of our residents to home fires. I urge residents of the great state of West Virginia to think twice when it comes to all aspects of fire safety. My continued support goes out to fire departments that get behind safety messages, as well as the families impacted by these tragic events.”

 

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