For Emergencies, Please Dial 911, All Other Calls 276-235-9580 mayers@galaxva.com

The morning of Thursday, March 5, 2015, at 8:43am, Galax Fire was dispatched emergency traffic to a working structure fire with possible entrapment at 2973 Glendale Road. Upon the OIC’s arrival, he reported a single story house fully involved with confirmed entrapment. The OIC and Police Officers made multiple attempts to access the trapped occupants prior to the engines arrival, but were unable to locate the victims, due to the overwhelming amount of heat and smoke. Virginia State Police 1st Sergeant Musser assisted the OIC with incident command. Galax Fire quickly requested mutual aid be dispatched from both Hillsville and Fries Fire Departments. Two attack crews made entry, and conducted search and rescue operations while battling the blaze. Other firefighters joined the effort as additional resources arrived. Shortly in to the search, two of the victims were located. The third victim was located after the fire had been extinguished. Tragically, all 3 victims lost their lives as a result of the fire. The victims were ages 9mos, 4yrs, and 7yrs. Independence Fire Department responded to stand-by at the Galax station. Pipers Gap Rescue, Carroll Fire & Rescue, and Galax Grayson EMS, assisted at the scene. Galax Police Department, Carroll Co Sheriff’s Office, and the Virginia State Police also assisted. AEP responded to the scene to shut off the power. Carroll Co Sheriff’s Office is conducting an investigation with assistance from the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation. A Galax Firefighter and a Galax Police Officer were transported to Twin County Regional Hospital for smoke inhalation. The American Red Cross is assisting displaced family members. A Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) team was later called to assist family members and first responders. The fire was ruled accidental. Please pray continually for all family members, neighbors, firefighters, EMS personnel, police officers, dispatchers, and everyone affected by this horrific incident.