House Fire Takes Three Lives

On Monday morning, tragedy struck Winston County in the form of a housefire that would take the lives of three, including two children.

Calls began coming into the Louisville/Winston County E911 Communications Center around 10:06 AM alerting First Responders to a structure fire in the 2000 block of Brooksville Road.

The Louisville Fire Department, along with Betheden and East Winston Volunteer Fire Departments responded to the emergency as did EMS. Fire Chief Robert Hutto noted in an official press release that EMEPA was also called as a part of response protocol.

Upon arriving at the scene, responders found a "fully involved structure with heavy fire throughout the roof and thick smoke escaping from multiple points," according to the press release.

Bystanders from a construction site had broken windows on the east side of the home and reported to responders that they believed occupants to be inside the home.

Hutto noted that the responders then utilized Vent-Enter-Search, and firefighters entered two bedrooms via east side windows. One unresponsive victim was found by a firefighter, who then passed the individual to responders outside the structure.

Two other occupants were inside but collapsing ceilings as well as an intensification of the fire as well as other dangers would force responders to withdraw.

The official press release notes that an adult and a child were pronounced deceased at the scene.

There are multiple efforts to assist the family, who officials have not named publicly due to an ongoing investigation. A bank account has been set up at Cadence Bank for the victims; other locals are gathering clothing and other personal items for the family.

Hutto closed the press release noting that more information would be made available as the investigation comes to a close.