3 displaced, 1 in critical condition, after overnight house fire on Hollywood Ave in Suffolk

SUFFOLK, Va. (WAVY) – Firefighters rescued a person trapped inside a Suffolk home overnight Sunday and citizens came to the rescue of another, according to a release from Suffolk Fire and Rescue.

Suffolk Fire & Rescue received the call around 1:26 a.m. in the 700 block of Hollywood Avenue.

Officials say one person was pulled out of the home by citizens and was in the street prior to the arrival of fire units, however, neighbors confirmed one occupant was still inside.

Fire crews initiated a vent, enter, search tactic by entering the rear window of the structure and found a disabled and bedridden male occupant in the bed with heavy smoke conditions and zero visibility.

Crews cut out a large opening in the rear window and rescued the occupant through the opening.

Next door neighbor, Elvester Vaughan says he saw it all happen.

“A big blaze, smoke and the guy were beating on the side of the wall that’s where they cut it at that side of the wall there. The fire department got a hand saw and cut that whole wall out and pulled him out of the house,” said Vaughan.

The fire was contained to the front porch, front living area, and attic space. The residence sustained heavy fire, smoke, and heat damage.

The fire was under control at 1:54 a.m. There are three displaced residents, who are being assisted by the American Red Cross.

“It’s hard to find words when you see a tragedy like that happen all you can do is wish the best for the person and hope he’s okay,” said neighbor, Chuck Hoggard.

No firefighters were injured. The resident rescued by fire crews was flown by Nightingale Air Ambulance to a local hospital in critical condition. The resident rescued by citizens was evaluated on scene by medics and refused transportation to the hospital.

The cause of this fire is still under investigation.