Saturday, May 13, 2000

Woman found dead in house by firefighters

---

By Walt Schaefer
The Cincinnati Enquirer

        SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP — A 71-year-old woman was found dead after a fire early Friday at her home on Bluejay Drive.

Springfield Township firefighters at the home of Virgie Ellen Carroll. (Glenn Hartong photo) | ZOOM |

        Springfield Township Police Sgt. Scott Middendorf said Virgie Ellen Carroll was found in her bedroom, where fire officials said the blaze began.

        The 12:29 a.m. fire was confined to the bedroom, but smoke damaged the rest of the two-story home. Damage was estimated at $35,000.

        Police officers, who were first on the scene, saw flames in the bedroom.

        Officers tried to enter the house but were driven back by heat and smoke.

        “Our first officer on the scene — Sgt. Middendorf — saw flames in the second- story window. He kicked in the front door and made three attempts to get to the second floor. The farthest he got was to the base of the stairway,” said Police Capt. David A. Schaefer.

        After firefighters brought the blaze under control, the victim was found.

        The cause of the blaze is under investigation. An autopsy will be done by the Hamilton County Coroner's Office, Sgt. Middendorf said.

        As with any fire involving a death, the Hamilton County Special County Arson Task Force (SCAT) will assist township police and fire investigators in determining the fire's cause.        

---

Events draw big crowds
    Music Review
Diploma day a victory for many
Taft searches for tax solution
RAMSEY: Lesson in grace
Agency accuses former minister
Architects criticize ballpark design
Buying tobacco tough for teens
Falcons hatch brood - at last
Life springs anew at nature areas
Ballet Review
A.M. REPORT
Aim is to get kids on track
'Anything Goes' musical lures theater supporter
Around the Commonwealth
Candidate for Senate gets assist
Convention plan needs salesman
GET TO IT
Opponent for Lucas chosen
Pig Parade: The Piggest Show on Earth
Students charged with trespassing
What to save
Woman found dead in house by firefighters
Young man hopes to walk again
Queen City's moments to shine reflected in book