RICHMOND, VA — The Richmond Fire Investigations Unit has identified the two victims of this morning’s fatal house fire in the city’s East End as:

1. Clara Humphrey, 84 years old
2. Ray Humphrey, 84 years old

Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) records confirm the married couple was deaf.

“I ask that you pray for the families, their loved ones, their community where they resided, and our city in that we will continue to embrace fire safety education, the importance of smoke alarms, and exercising proper safety protocols,” said Richmond Department of Fire and Emergency Services Chief Melvin Carter. “These deaths, like most fire deaths, were preventable.”

At approximately 7:59 a.m., crews responded to 1413 Vinton Street for the report of a house fire with individuals still possibly inside. Once on scene, they found smoke coming from the structure.

The first arriving crews performed a search and located Clara Humphrey. They removed her from the home and went back inside, as there were reports of two occupants. Crews then located Ray Humphrey and removed him from the home. CPR was performed on both victims, but neither survived. They were pronounced dead by Richmond Ambulance Authority (RAA) crews on scene.

RFD crews focused on fire attack had made entry and found fire in the living room. They quickly worked to put it out. The fire was marked under control at 8:13 a.m.

Investigators have determined the fire originated on a sofa in the living room and was caused by improperly discarded smoking materials. They also discovered there were no working smoke alarms in the home.

This incident marks the 11th fire fatality in the City of Richmond so far this year.

The Richmond Department of Fire and Emergency Services wants to remind residents of the “Fire Safety Five to Stay Alive”:

1. Get out and stay out of a house on fire. Make and practice a fire escape plan.
2. Clear the clutter, as it can become an obstacle to escape. Have a clear path to your exits.
3. Do not overload extension cords and power strips. Major appliances should be plugged directly into a wall outlet.
4. Have working smoke alarms and test them once a month. Replace your alarms after 10 years.
5. Always smoke outside. Never smoke in bed. Make sure cigarettes and ashes are put out completely.

The Richmond Department of Fire and Emergency Services will also install smoke alarms for free. Residents can call our Fire Prevention Office at (804) 646-6640 or our Smoke Alarm Request Line at (804) 646-1526 to schedule an appointment. The Fire Prevention Office also has a limited supply of smoke alarms specifically for residents with hearing impairments.

According to the Department of Procurement Services, vendor registration will be down from August 31 at 5 p.m. to September 7, 2021 at 5 p.m. Thank you for your patience. 

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RICHMOND, VA – Starting on Friday, September 3, the Hopkins Road Transfer Station, located at 3520 North Hopkins Road, will be closed to make asphalt repairs at the station. The transfer station will resume regular hours of operation on Tuesday, September 7.

For information on the Department of Public Works, please visit us online at https://www.rva.gov/public-works or email us at askpublicworks@rva.gov

We’re Social! For updates on DPW-related projects, activities and events visit us on Twitter @DPW_RichmondVA

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The HVAC issues in Richmond City Hall have been resolved. The building will be open to employees and the public on Friday, August 27.

Thanks go out to the City of Richmond employees who worked so hard to address the challenge and allow team members stationed in City Hall to return to their offices.

As always, visit www.rva.gov/cityservices to learn about city services available to you. Call 3-1-1 or visit www.rva311.com with questions about city services or to make a request.

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Councilmember Cynthia I. Newbille

Richmond City Council, Richmond East End 7th Voter District

News Release/August 24, 2021

Councilmember Newbille to hold virtual meeting for the Richmond East End 7th Voter District

WHAT            Richmond, Virginia – Councilmember Cynthia I. Newbille, Richmond City Council, Richmond East End 7th Voter District, will hold a virtual meeting for the Richmond East End 7th Voter District.

AGENDA

• Councilmember Cynthia I. Newbille
  Richmond City Council, Richmond East End 7th Voter District

• Presentation: Richmond Shockoe Bottom Small Area Plan
  Kimberly Chen, Senior Manager, Richmond Department of Economic Development

Councilmember Newbille invites all residents of the Richmond East End 7th Voter District to join her meeting and time will be provided for questions as the meeting progresses.

WHEN          Thursday, August 26, 2021

                    6:00 – 7:00 p.m.

WHERE         Virtual Internet Meeting

                            Councilmember Newbille’s meeting is being held online through the Zoom virtual platform. Those interested in joining the meeting are invited to register in advance, via
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__A4y_TvPQuuwK99RyLvsLQ

                   Registrants will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

CONTACT      For more information, please contact: Sam Patterson, Liaison for Councilmember Cynthia I. Newbille, Richmond City Council, Richmond East End 7th Voter District, at 804.646.3012 (tel), or sam.patterson@richmondgov.com (email)

BACKGROUND

Shockoe Bottom Neighborhood/Richmond Shockoe Small Area Plan

Public feedback continues to be being sought regarding the draft Richmond Shockoe Small Area Plan. The Richmond Shockoe Bottom Neighborhood is one of the city’s most unique and historic areas. It has been experiencing significant growth over the last few decades with the historic rehabilitation of vacant factories and warehouses into residential and mixed-use development, as well as construction of new buildings. Discussions and planning regarding the future of the Shockoe Bottom Neighborhood include development of cultural heritage sites and continued revitalization.

   The Richmond Shockoe Small Area Plan will also be a next step in the implementation of the GRTC Transit Company Pulse Corridor Plan, which focused on future development along the Pulse Corridor and including the area surrounding Main Street Station. The intent of the Richmond Shockoe Small Area Plan is to knit together policies and guidance embedded in the Pulse Corridor Plan, the ULI Rose Fellowship work, and the Richmond 300 Master Plan in order to form a unified approach to revitalization and development of this important neighborhood.

   Councilmember Newbille personally holds individual meetings that include her goals and accomplishments, topical agendas, and special guests. She invites all Richmond East End 7th Voter District residents to attend. Her meeting dates, times, locations, agendas, and special guests are subject to change.

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