Painter fire claims one life

Picture courtesy of the Onancock Volunteer Fire Department.

A fatal fire in the town of Painter claimed one life late Tuesday night, according to Onancock Fire Chief Mike Rydberg.

Multiple agencies responded to the scene on A.S. West Road, including fire crews from Painter, Exmore, Melfa, Northampton, Wachapreague and Onancock, along with Accomack County Department of Public Safety and Northampton County EMS.

According to Matthew Demlein with the Virginia State Police, the investigation indicated that the fire was not suspicious and originated in the kitchen of the structure.

One adult female died as a result of the fire.  A second person was transported to an area hospital for smoke inhalation but is expected to recover.

Chief Rydberg said first responders made attempts to rescue the victim, but the fire was already too intense upon arrival and had claimed the individual’s life.

Firefighters remained on scene for approximately six hours working to control the blaze and secure the area.

The incident has been turned over to the Virginia State Police, which is handling the investigation into the cause of the fire. The State Police are still processing the scene and will provide an update as soon as possible.