MARTINSVILLE, Va. – The Martinsville Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating a fire that claimed the life of one individual late Thursday night. The fire occurred at 1030 East Church Street, near Martinsville Urgent Care, in the City of Martinsville.

Fire & EMS crews were dispatched at 11:30 p.m. The fire fully engulfed a structure that is believed to have been a garage or storage building in the back yard of the abandoned residence. The building, which was completely destroyed by the fire, was a separate structure from the house. The blaze appears to have caused some minor damage to the adjacent abandoned home. The fire was discovered and called in by a motorist passing by the house as the building burned.

There was no utility service to the house or the building destroyed by the fire. Investigators believe that someone, likely the victim, started a fire inside of a metal trash can using a variety of combustible materials. It is thought that the fire spread from this point, eventually igniting the entire structure. The fire is believed to be an accident.

The body of the victim, an adult male, was found on the floor of the structure in close proximity to the aforementioned trash can, which is believed to be the origin of the fire. The identity of the victim and the official cause of death will be determined by an autopsy and investigation. It is believed that the victim likely died of smoke inhalation.

The Martinsville Fire & EMS Department would like to extend thanks to the Martinsville Volunteer Firefighters, Dyers Store Volunteer Fire Department, Axton Volunteer Fire Department, Martinsville City Police Department, and Stone Ambulance Service for their assistance in dealing with this emergency.

The house and property is registered to Hazel V. Robinson and Geraldine Manson, of Mt. Clements, Michigan. The Martinsville Fire Marshal’s Office would like to speak with the owners or with anyone who may have information pertaining to this incident. If you have any information pertaining to this case, please contact Fire Marshal Ted Anderson at the Martinsville Fire & EMS Department at 276-403-5325.

The Martinsville Fire Department reminds area residents to check their smoke detector batteries frequently and replace any smoke detector that is more than ten years old. Free smoke detectors are available through both the Martinsville Fire Department and the Henry County Public Safety office. To get one, call 403-5325 in the city or 634-4660 in Henry County.