FRANKLIN COUNTY, Va. (rbs news now) — A home was destroyed in a residential fire Wednesday evening in Franklin County, and one firefighter was transported to a hospital for a heat-related illness before being released.

According to Franklin County Fire & EMS, crews were dispatched at 5:44 p.m. on July 1 after a 9-1-1 call reported a residential structure fire.

As firefighters responded, heavy black smoke was visible from Rocky Mount and the Mount Pleasant area.

First-arriving crews from Burnt Chimney Volunteer Fire Department, Westlake Station 15, Franklin County Fire & EMS and Scruggs Volunteer Fire & Rescue found a working fire and requested additional tanker support to establish a sufficient water supply.

Tankers from Rocky Mount Fire Department, Glade Hill Volunteer Fire Department, Boones Mill Volunteer Fire/EMS, Mount Pleasant Fire Department, Bedford County and Roanoke County also responded to assist.

Firefighters said extreme temperatures created challenging firefighting conditions.

A rehabilitation area was established by a Franklin County Fire & EMS chaplain, along with personnel from Red Valley Rescue Squad and Scruggs Station 10, to monitor firefighters and help them recover from the heat.

Several firefighters were removed from active operations to cool down and be evaluated by medical personnel.

One firefighter was transported to a hospital for treatment of a heat-related illness and was later released.

The home was declared a total loss.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Franklin County Fire Marshal’s Office.

The American Red Cross is assisting the displaced family.

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