Unchecked: Inside RPS fire inspections
VPM News investigation reveals history of long-standing fire code violations at public schools.
Following the William F. Fox Elementary School fire in February 2022, VPM News obtained and analyzed all available fire inspection records for Richmond’s public schools from 2015–2022. Documentation revealed hundreds of fire code violations and a checkered history when it came to consistent inspections and resolution of fire safety problems — a concerning trend that predates the COVID-19 pandemic.
Written by Megan Pauly and Connor Scribner. Photos by Shaban Athuman, Scott Elmquist and Crixell Matthews.
Figures fact-checked by Jonea Gurwitt. Edited by Dave Cantor, Whittney Evans, Dawnthea M. Price Lisco and Elliott Robinson.
Figures fact-checked by Jonea Gurwitt. Edited by Dave Cantor, Whittney Evans, Dawnthea M. Price Lisco and Elliott Robinson.