A 13-year-old girl has perished in a structure fire in Ashland.
The Ashland Fire Department (AFD) said firefighters responded to the blaze on Tuesday evening at 7:10 at 3307 Central Avenue.
Upon arriving at the scene, firefighters found three residences on fire. As witnesses told firefighters that a teenager was trapped inside one of the homes.
“Firefighters successfully located and removed the victim utilizing a Vent-Enter-Search (VES) rescue through a bedroom window under intense fire/smoke conditions,” AFD said in a social media post.
The victim, Brooklyn Johnson, was transported to UK King’s Daughters Medical Center where she was later pronounced deceased.
Johnson was a student at Ashland Middle School.
“All three structure fires were brought under control at approximately 8:37 p.m. Fire crews remained on scene conducting overhaul and investigation operations until clearing the scene at approximately 11:07 p.m.,” AFD said.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
An excerpt of a statement issued by Ashland Middle School Principal Rebecca Howell on Brooklyn’s death:
“It is with great sadness that Ashland Middle School announces the passing of one of our students, Brooklyn Johnson. Brooklyn was a valued member of our school community and will be deeply missed by classmates, teachers, and staff. She will be remembered for her feisty spirit, her glasses that were strictly fashion, but most of all, (for) her love of her dolls. She often would tell jokes to herself and laugh uncontrollably. She loved snacks, music, and her favorite saying at school was, ‘Happy Christmas,’ to all who could hear.
“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with Brooklyn’s family and loved ones during this difficult time, especially her brothers Braxton Johnson and Kamron Tussey, as well as her parents, extended family, and friends.”
(Photo: A house fire took the life of 13-year-old Brooklyn Johnson on Tuesday, courtesy of the Ashland Fire Dept.)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
