Emergency services in a Western North Carolina county have faced a series of challenges, having to address several structural fires within a brief period, leading to tragic outcomes with two reported deaths.
As per a statement released by the Macon County Fire Marshal’s Office, responders dealt with three separate structure fires in the span of 24 hours, commencing on Thursday afternoon. The initial incident occurred shortly after 1:30 p.m. on Jan. 4, when teams answered a call regarding a structure fire at 269 Green Street, where smoke was observed within the building. Franklin Fire and Rescue took charge, supported by Clarks Chapel Fire, West Macon Fire and Rescue, and Macon County Fire Services. Fortunately, minimal damage resulted from this fire, and no injuries were reported.
However, later that evening, Clarks Chapel Fire and Rescue tackled a considerably ablaze structure on Prentiss Bridge Road around 6 p.m. They received assistance from Franklin and Otto Fire and Rescue units, along with Macon County EMS. Tragically, two individuals were discovered deceased within the building. An ongoing investigation, conducted jointly by the Macon County Sheriff’s Office, NC State Bureau of Investigation, and the Macon County Fire Marshal’s Office, aims to shed light on the circumstances. The identities of the deceased remain undisclosed. Regrettably, both the structure and two vehicles were entirely destroyed, as stated in the release.
The Macon County Sheriff’s Office has scheduled autopsies for the deceased individuals on Jan. 5 to ascertain the causes of their deaths. Presently, the cause behind the Prentiss Bridge Road fire remains subject to investigation.
