KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — UPDATE (3/14): The Knox County Sheriff's Office has identified the woman who died in a house fire on March 8.
76-year-old Rebecca Kirby died and 72-year-old Ronald Kirby suffered "life-threatening injuries" and was sent to Vanderbilt. He has been released, according to KCSO.
The cause of the fire was ruled undetermined and no foul play is suspected, KCSO said.
----
UPDATE (3 p.m.): A woman died and a man suffered "life-threatening injuries" and is in critical condition after a fire on Wednesday, March 8, according to Rural Metro Fire and the Knox County Sheriff's Office.
Rural Metro said crews responded to a house fire in the 4100 block of E. Governor John Sevier Highway around 10:32 p.m.
"We are saddened to announce one of the victims from the fire has passed away. The second has been taken to Vanderbilt. The name of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. We will update you as the investigation continues," KCSO said.
Rural Metro's Battalion Chief was able to respond within three minutes of the call. The home was heavily involved in fire and one victim was in the front yard, according to Rural Metro.
Rural Metro said additional help was requested and received from nearby Knoxville Fire Station 16.
Initial crews had to combat the fire, treat the victim until help arrived and search through the house for other victims, according to Rural Metro.
The second victim was found inside the house and extricated through a window, Rural Metro said.
Both victims were initially taken to the University of Tennessee Medical Center, according to Rural Metro.
Rural Metro said no firefighters. KCSO is investigating the cause of the fire.