Cornville AZ (July 24, 2021) – At approximately 1006 hours on Saturday, July 24, Verde Valley Fire crews were dispatched to the area of South Kadamoto Dr. in Cornville for a reported house fire. Smoke was visible to responding units as soon as they were on Cornville Rd.
Upon arrival, crews had heavy fire and smoke coming from the structure. Crews made an interior attack on the fire and were met with heavy fire, smoke and heat. Crews were unable to clear the structure due to the conditions and withdrew to a defensive position to protect surrounding structures.
Once the fire was under control crews were able to begin clearing the structure. During this process crews found one occupant who was deceased. The Verde Valley Fire Investigations Task Force, that consists of fire investigators from Verde Valley, Cottonwood, Copper Canyon and Sedona, were dispatched to the scene to begin the investigation. Verde Valley Fire crews remained on scene until the investigations team and the sheriffs office took over the investigation.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Verde Valley Fire would like to ask the community to keep this family in their thoughts and prayers.