#115 Little Princess home was destroyed by fire on Sunday, July 30, 2023. Photo Credit: V.I. CONSORTIUM
ST. CROIX —The V.I. Fire and Emergency Medical Services, in the early hours of Sunday morning, tackled a severe structural fire at #115 Little Princess, where a woman tragically lost her life due to smoke inhalation.
Events began unfolding at 3:45 a.m., when VIFEMS received an urgent call from 911 dispatchers about a structure fully engulfed in flames. Upon their arrival, VIFEMS's C Company (C Co.) found a scene of the property completely consumed by fire.
Eight minutes after their arrival, at 3:53 a.m., C Co. promptly started their fire and rescue operations. Recognizing the severity of the situation, they rapidly called for additional assistance from all local firefighting companies, according to the VIFEMS. The combined response involved five firefighting apparatuses, one ambulance, and three rescue vehicles, all focused on extinguishing the fire and bringing the situation under control.
Despite their exhaustive efforts, the team discovered a tragic outcome: an elderly female victim was found deceased at the back of the fire-ravaged structure. According to the V.I. Police Department, the victim has been identified as 75-year-old Marilyn Parris.
Neighbors complained that the Fire Service could have done more and possibly save the female victim's life, with one neighbor stating that he had told firefighters where the victim was most likely located. Assistant Director of Fire Services, Antonio Stevens, told the Consortium that by the time firefighters were able to find their way to the back of the home and cut through a window to find the victim, she had already died as a result of smoke inhalation, having been trapped in the room.
Mr. Stevens expressed his condolences in light of the tragedy. "As a close-knit community, we feel the weight of this tragedy," he said. "During this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends impacted by this loss."
The cause and origin of the fire are currently under investigation by VIFEMS. As they continue to prioritize fire prevention, emergency response, and community safety, the agency urged the public to remain vigilant about fire safety measures.
VIFEMS also reiterated the importance of having well-thought-out evacuation plans in place for their homes.
Advertisements
