Two-alarm fire claims a life in Foxfire
 
By Assistant Chief Michael Gunther
August 2, 2020
 

A house fire claimed the life of a man Sunday evening.

Firefighters were paged around 11:36 PM to the home on Deer Track Road in Foxfire with possible life hazard.

First arriving units on scene reported a single story structure fully engulfed in flames with 90% of the roof collapsed. The glow from the fire could be seen from a distance indicating a very heavy fire load or that the structure was rapidly burning that it immediately triggered a multi alarm response. Within 6 minutes of the pager activation the first Engine arrived on scene and was flowing water on the fire. Command ordered an initial exterior attack to put as much water on the fire as possible and to get the structure safe enough for firefighters to enter. During that time, command also ordered a search of the area around the structure and the other buildings on the property for any signs that the person that was reported in the structure was able to get out. Within 30 minutes of the first arriving Engine the fire was brought under control.

Firefighters knocked down the fire enough to enter the structure and performed a search for the reported person while also extinguishing remaining hot spots. A short time later crews unfortunately found the homeowner deceased inside the structure. The Medical examiner and Moore County Fire Marshall's were called to the scene. The remains were sent to the state Medical Examiner’s Office for positive identification.

Firefighters battled the blaze and remained on scene throughout the night during the initial investigation, overhaul and extinguish hotspots. West End returned to the structure throughout Monday to look for any sign of rekindling or hotspots. No firefighters were injured in the blaze.

The home is a total loss.

The exact cause is under investigation at this time.

Responding to the scene were West End Fire & Rescue, Eastwood Fire and Rescue, Seven Lakes Fire and Rescue, Pinehurst Fire and Rescue, Pinebluff Fire and Rescue, Aberdeen Fire and Rescue, Derby Fire and Rescue, Moore County EMS, Moore County Sheriff’s Department, Moore County Public Safety, Foxfire Police Department, and ATF.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the homeowners Family and Friends during this difficult time.