Early Sunday, firefighters responding to a call of a structural fire at Little Princess on St. Croix found one person dead inside the building, officials with the V.I. Fire and Emergency Medical Services reported.
VIFEMS responded to the fire around 3:53 a.m. and encountered a fully engulfed structure. They initiated a fire and rescue operation and quickly requested additional support from all companies. The response included five apparatuses, one ambulance, and three rescue vehicles to assist in extinguishing the fire to bring the situation under control, according to the press release.
Despite their efforts, VIFEMS reported the discovery of a dead person in the back of the structure whom it has not identified. Assistant Director of Fire Services Antonio Stevens expressed his condolences. “As a close-knit community, we feel the weight of this tragedy. During this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends impacted by this loss,” he said.
An investigation into the cause and origin of the fire is currently underway. The VIFEMS stated that it remains steadfast in its dedication to fire prevention, emergency response, and community safety. Additionally, the agency reminded the public to remain vigilant about fire safety measures and to have well-thought-out evacuation plans in place for their homes, according to the press release.
