Richmond Hill community reacts after deadly house fire claims one life

BRYAN COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - The Richmond Hill community is reacting after one person was killed in a house fire and another was taken to the hospital.

The fire happened around 9:41 p.m. on Rushing Street, where crews arrived to find active flames and immediately began suppression efforts. According to fire officials, one person was found inside the home and did not survive. A second person was taken to a local hospital for treatment and has since been released.

Officials have not yet released the name of the victim.

The investigation into the cause of the fire is now being handled by the State Fire Marshal.

Neighbors say the loss has left the community shaken.

“Our hearts and prayers go out to them, it’s just such a tragedy,” said Jan Davis, who lives in the nearby .

Davis said sirens woke her from her sleep Monday night, and she initially feared the fire may have involved someone she knew.

“I had no idea which house it was—just sad, sad, sad,” she said.

She later learned Tuesday morning that the fire happened in her extended neighborhood.

“We had no idea until we saw on Facebook this morning that the fire was in this area,” Davis said.

Richmond Hill Fire Marshal David Williams said he saw the victim’s family at the scene.

“They were devastated, understandably, as you can probably imagine,” Williams said.

A neighbor said off camera who the victim was often seen walking their dog in the area and described the loss as heartbreaking. The home is now boarded up and surrounded by police tape as the investigation continues.

Davis said the community is already coming together to support those affected.