January 3 – Virginia and Mountain Iron firefighters battled an early morning house fire in the south side area of Virginia. The fire was reported around 4:00 a.m. at 1201 5th Avenue South. Three people who were home at the time managed to escape, but were taken to the Virginia Regional Medical Center for minor smoke inhalation. Two firefighters were also treated for smoke inhalation and debris in the eyes. At least one family pet died in the blaze. Virginia Fire Marshal Darrell Knapper told The Northland Fire Wire that the fire started in the basement. Knapper said that since the main floor collapsed into the basement area, it is going to be extremely difficult to get to the source of the fire. Damages have been estimated around $75,000.