Burn victim flown to U.Va. medical center after house fire

WINCHESTER -- A fire that destroyed a home in Frederick County early Thursday morning also left a resident with injuries.

A rescue crew flew the victim of the blaze at 234 Sunset Drive, Winchester, by helicopter to the University of Virginia medical center for treatment, according to a news release issued Thursday afternoon by the Frederick County Fire and Rescue Department.

The release did not disclose the victim's gender, age or identity nor did it indicate the nature of the person's injuries. UVA's hospital has a unit which specializes in the treatment of burn-related injuries.
Crews from the county and Winchester responded to the structure fire at the Sunset Drive address shortly before 3:40 a.m., according to the release. Firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke and flames showing from the roof, the release states.
Crews entered the residence and used hand lines to put out the blaze, according to the release. Firefighters brought the blaze under control and extinguished the fire approximately 90 minutes after their arrival, the release notes. Crews worked to "overhaul" the building, tending to smoldering areas and making sure they had put out all lingering hot spots.

The cause of the blaze remains under investigation by the Frederick County Fire Marshal's Office. Officials estimated the structure sustained significant damage and determined the fire had destroyed the residence.

Crews from Greenwood, Millwood, Round Hill and Clear Brook volunteer fire and rescue companies responded to the incident along with the Frederick County Battalion 10 duty officer and Friendship Station in Winchester.

Daily Staff Report