Man Dies In Lafayette Blvd Fire: FD Says No Smoke Detectors

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(Spotsylvania)- From Spotsylvania Fire, Rescue and Emergency Management:

On January 16, 2018, a passerby in the area of the 2700 block of Lafayette Boulevard called 9-1-1 to report a house on fire. The call was made at 2:30 am. When firefighters arrived six minutes later, they discovered fire and smoke coming from the second floor of the residence. Bystanders informed first arriving firefighters that there was potentially someone still in the home.

Firefighters quickly began a search of the residence and we able to locate a male occupant on the second floor. First responding medical personnel immediately began assessment and treatment of the patient. Despite their efforts, 25 year-old Oscar Andres Alfaro was pronounced dead at the scene. There were no other occupants found in the home.

A dog was also located during a search of the home. The dog was still alive when rescued from the home but was transported to an emergency veterinary center in Fredericksburg for treatment. The condition of the dog is unknown as of the time of this release. A firefighter suffered minor injuries from a fall at the scene and was transported to a local hospital for evaluation.

Nearly 40 career and volunteer members from the Spotsylvania County Department of Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Management were on scene to bring the blaze under control. The City of Fredericksburg Fire Department assisted as well. A total of four engines, three aerials, three medical transport units and many support staff responded. The incident was under control within 15 minutes of the original call.

The Fire Marshal’s Office responded to the scene to investigate the cause and origin of the fire. An initial investigation has lead the Fire Marshals to identify the cause as an accidental electrical fire. The origin of the fire is an electrical outlet in a second story bedroom that was powering a space heater in the home.

Smoke alarms were not present in the home at the time of the incident. The Spotsylvania County Department of Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Management would like to remind everyone that working smoke alarms do save lives. Please check you alarms regularly. If you have any questions or need a smoke alarm, please contact our office at 540-507-7900.