Fire Department IDs Two Killed in March 15 South Arlington Fire

UPDATE: The victims of the March 15 fire on S. Langley Street in Arlington have been identified by the medical examiner. 

Firefighters found Yvonne Barrie, 73, and Bobbie Nelson Goins, 77, dead in a second floor bedroom. 

Bystanders reported that Goins went back inside the home to help Barrie. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. 

Eighty firefighters from Arlington, Alexandria and Fairfax responded to the two-alarm fire, which was reported at 3:39 p.m. Sunday, March 15. Firefighters used a ladder to enter a second floor window to search for anyone who was trapped, but were forced to retreat as the wind-driven fires spread rapidly to the second floor and attic.

One firefighter was injured during the rescue attempt. Firefighters discovered the bodies of the two victims in a second floor bedroom after the fire was brought quickly under control and the flames extinguished. Damage to the house is initially estimated at $550,000. The Red Cross provided immediate housing and assistance to seven persons displaced by the fire.

The injured firefighter was treated for smoke inhalation and transported to Medstar Washington Hospital Center. He was admitted to the ICU overnight for observation and was released the following day. He is expected to return to work on modified duty this week.

The origin and cause of the blaze are still being investigated.  If you have any information, pictures or videos that may assist with the investigation, please contactfirepio@arlingtonva.us.