ST. CROIX, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — On January 21, 2025, at approximately 5:16 PM, the St. Croix 911 Emergency Call Center (ECC) received a report of an active structural fire at Pepper Tree Terrace. The caller reported that a six- bedroom wooden home was engulfed in flames, and all residents had safely evacuated.
Units from C-Company and M-Company of the Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services (VIFEMS) responded shortly after receiving the call. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered that one room in the northeast corner of the home was on fire. They quickly contained the blaze, preventing it from spreading further.
During this time, firefighters were notified that ‘Pepper,’ the homeowners’ larger dog, was still trapped inside the home. While the residents were safely outside, their smaller dog had exited the home on its own, but Pepper was unable to escape. A firefighter entered the home, located Pepper unresponsive, and carried him outside. Upon exiting, it was determined that Pepper was suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning. A paramedic immediately administered oxygen to him on the scene, successfully reviving him.
Thanks to the expertise and teamwork of VIFEMS, Pepper survived and was reunited with his family, bringing joy and relief to all on the scene. Although there were no injuries reported among the residents, the home has been deemed uninhabitable due to fire and smoke damage.
The VIFEMS Arson Prevention and Investigation Unit is investigating the cause of the fire, with initial reports suggesting it originated in the northeast corner of the residence.