FRANKLIN
A Franklin woman died from a fire Wednesday night. At approximately 8:51 p.m., Franklin Fire and Rescue was dispatched to a structure fire at 1513 Mariner Street, Franklin.

The crew responded to the home and found heavy smoke conditions and visible fire. Crews began to search for an occupant, as one was reported to be inside of the structure.

The female occupant was found in the bathroom and removed from the residence. She was then transported to Southampton Memorial Hospital where she was pronounced dead.

The fire was extinguished safely and crews called the Virginia State Police for an arson investigator to determine a cause. They determined the cause was smoking cigarettes in bed.

Franklin Fire and Rescue was assisted by members of Carrsville Volunteer Fire Department and Hunterdale Volunteer Fire Department.

“The crews worked diligently to extinguish the fire and remove the victim from the home,” Capt. Timothy Dun of Franklin Fire and Rescue said. “It was unfortunate we were unable to save her.”