Bristol, Virginia, September 23, 2025
News Summary
A house fire occurred on Clark Street in Bristol, Virginia, impacting a two-story residence. Firefighters rescued multiple pets and managed to clear the scene by midnight. Thankfully, the occupants escaped without injury. The cause of the fire is under investigation and may be accidental. The American Red Cross is assisting the affected residents, highlighting the importance of home safety measures.
Bristol, Virginia experienced a significant house fire on Saturday night, around 9:30 p.m. on Clark Street. The Bristol, Virginia Fire Department reacted promptly to a distress call and discovered visible smoke emanating from the two-story residence upon arrival. The fire was primarily located on the lower level of the house, where one room sustained heavy fire damage and substantial smoke damage permeated throughout the entire structure.
The fire department’s quick response was augmented by a mutual-aid request to Bristol, Tennessee Fire-Rescue for additional support in battling the flames. Fortunately, the inhabitants of the home were able to escape without injury before the arrival of the fire crews. However, several pets, including dogs and cats, remained inside the house when the fire started.
At the time of the incident, the house lacked electricity, and small candles served as a source of light. Firefighters successfully located three dogs and multiple cats inside the structure. Tragically, one dog experienced severe smoke inhalation and burns. Firefighters promptly revived the affected dog using a specialized pet oxygen mask before returning it to its owner.
There were no reported injuries to any humans involved in this incident. The fire is currently under investigation by the fire department, which has deemed it likely accidental. Meanwhile, the residents affected by the fire are receiving assistance from a local chapter of the American Red Cross.
Fire officials were able to clear the scene by midnight on the same night, minimizing additional disruption and allowing residents to return to normalcy. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety measures in homes, particularly when alternative lighting sources are used in the absence of electricity.
Key Details of the Incident
- Location: Clark Street, Bristol, Virginia
- Time of incident: Approximately 9:30 p.m. on Saturday
- Fire department response: Bristol, Virginia Fire Department and Bristol, Tennessee Fire-Rescue
- Condition of the house: One room had heavy fire damage; significant smoke damage throughout
- Pets involved: Three dogs and several cats were rescued
- Injuries: One dog suffered severe smoke inhalation and burns; no injuries to humans
- Current status of investigation: Accidental fire
- Assistance for occupants: Support from American Red Cross
- Scene cleared: By midnight on the same night
Background Context
House fires can occur due to various accidental causes, and this incident underscores the potential dangers of using candles without electricity. Fire safety measures, such as smoke detectors and proper lighting alternatives, are vital for preventing similar occurrences in the future. Local fire departments urge residents to be vigilant and prepared for emergencies to protect themselves and their pets.
FAQ
What time did the fire occur?
A house fire occurred on Saturday night at approximately 9:30 p.m. on Clark Street in Bristol, Virginia.
Did the occupants escape the fire?
The occupants of the house managed to escape before fire crews arrived.
What happened to the pets inside the house?
Fire crews successfully located three dogs and several cats inside the home. One dog suffered from severe smoke inhalation and burns but was revived using a pet oxygen mask and was later returned to its owner.
What caused the fire?
The fire is being investigated as accidental by the fire department.
Were there any injuries to humans reported?
No injuries to humans were reported from this incident.
What assistance are the occupants receiving?
The occupants of the home are receiving assistance from a local chapter of the American Red Cross.
When was the scene cleared?
The scene of the fire was cleared by midnight on the same night.
Incident Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Clark Street, Bristol, Virginia |
| Time | 9:30 p.m. on Saturday |
| Fire Response | Bristol, Virginia Fire Department and Bristol, Tennessee Fire-Rescue |
| Damage | Heavy fire damage to one room; significant smoke damage throughout |
| Pets Rescued | Three dogs and several cats |
| Injuries | One dog with severe smoke inhalation and burns; no human injuries |
| Investigation Status | Accidental fire |
| Assistance | Support from American Red Cross |
| Scene Clearance | Cleared by midnight |
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Additional Resources
- WCYB News Local
- Wikipedia: Bristol, Virginia
- NBC Connecticut
- Google Search: Bristol Virginia House Fire September 2023
- WJHL News Local
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bristol Virginia Fire
- Addison Independent
- Google News: Bristol Virginia House Fire September 2023
- TurnTo10
- Google Scholar: Bristol Virginia House Fire September 2023

Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER
The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.


