KATHY ADAMS
The Virginian-Pilot

VIRGINIA BEACH

When firefighters entered the burning house on Tyson Road on Thursday morning, they were blinded by smoke and flames.


They hoped hand-held thermal imagers would lead them to a person trapped inside. But the temperature inside the Aragona Village home was so high, the imagers' screens just shone a bright white.

By the time they found the trapped individual about a half-hour later, it was too late.

The medical examiner's office is working to identify the victim , said Battalion Chief Tim Riley, a spokesman for the Fire Department. They hope to make the identification today.

Neighbors reported the fire shortly after 10:30 a.m., Riley said. When firefighters arrived , heavy smoke was coming from the front and back of the ranch-style home. It took about a half-hour to put out the flames, he said.

Two dogs also died in the fire . Another escaped.

The home was shared by a woman, her husband and her brother, said neighbor Glen Sheehan. The brother was home and tried to rescue the victim but was unable to do so because of the intensity of the fire, Riley said.

Investigators remained on the scene throughout the day, trying to determine the cause.

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February 11, 2011