Berkeley County blaze claims life of resident and pet

Baker Heights Volunteer Fire Department announced that a structure fire in South Berkeley County claimed the lives of a resident and a pet early in the morning of April 26th.

BHVFD was notified of a structure fire with entrapment on the 3100 block of Winchester Avenue south of Martinsburg.

Upon arrival, crews discovered the first victim just inside the front door had already passed away.

Crews continued to search for the second occupant who was located outside the structure and they were treated and sent to a local hospital for further evaluation.

The identities of the occupants have not been released.

No working smoke detectors were found in the home.

Two out of three home fire deaths are a result of fires in homes with no working smoke detectors.

The  recommend changing the batteries when changing clocks for daylight savings time and to have alarms on each floor, in every bedroom, and outside of every interior door.

The blaze is under investigation through the West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s office.