Two Die in Structure Fire on Prentiss Bridge Road

PRESS RELEASE (01-05-2025)
MACON COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

Tragic House Fire Claims Two Lives in Macon County, North Carolina

In a devastating incident, a residential fire erupted in Macon County, North Carolina resulting in the tragic loss of two lives. The incident occurred on the south end of Macon County at/around 6 p.m. on January 5. Emergency services responded promptly to the distress call, but despite their best efforts, two individuals were found deceased.

The Clarks Chapel Fire Department, along with neighboring fire departments, swiftly responded, battling intense flames for several hours, and managed to contain and extinguish the fire. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, and the deceased individuals will be undergoing autopsies today to confirm their causes of death.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families affected by this devastating fire,” said Sheriff Brent Holbrooks. “Our dedicated firefighters worked diligently to control the blaze and provide assistance as we worked the scene. We will collaborate with the State Bureau of Investigation to thoroughly investigate the incident and ascertain the root cause.”

The names of the two individuals will not be released at this time.

MCSO will continue to provide updates on the investigation as more information becomes available.

--END PRESS RELEASE--

Macon Media covered this incident at https://www.facebook.com/100053445258023/posts/pfbid0YraCc7owFmr6Gw4C7DGprSUtAvqZUq4xtCvPnfZ1wqC3VZuXqDMMGFLDwWfPvR37l/

For those who do not use Facebook, here is a copy of the post and a mirror of the updates:

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There is a report of a fully-involved structure fire near 800 Prentiss Bridge Road. EMS and Clarks Chapel VFD are responding. Franklin and Otto VFDs are mutual and assistance. (A responding firefighter confirms this is a working fire) 

Please use caution in this area for the next few hours. Be on the lookout for firefighters and vehicles near the roadway. #WNCscan #MaconTraffic #MaconSafety 

 Published at 6.07pm on Thursday, January 04, 2024

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Update thread started.

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**6.24pm** The structure is already suffering from partial collapse and Command has determined no interior attacks will be made due to safety concerns.

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*6.35pm** [reserved for posting later]
--added at 10.39am on Saturday, 01-05-2024--
Firefighters report the discovery of a body, possibly two during an interior search.

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**6.38pm** An interior search has been underway for a few minutes.

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**6.46pm** [redacted #2 will be filled in later] --
added at 10.39am on Saturday, 01-05-2024--
Command has requested MCSO and SBI involvement.

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**6.48pm** This scene will be active with personnel for quite some time, so use extreme caution and be on the lookout for personnel and/or vehicles in or near the roadway. Be mindful that temperatures will drop below freezing and the roadway may become slick, so detour around this location until after daylight tomorrow.

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**6.58pm** [redacted #3 -- will be filled in later]
--added at 10.39am on Saturday, 01-05-2024--
A citizen has arrived at the scene and informed firefighters the residence was likely occupied by two people.

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**7.04pm** Command has asked EMS to move their staging location from the Kingdown Hall up to the house.

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**7.09pm** Ending coverage and going to bed. I'll be back at midnight to start prepping the news and weather briefing. --Bobby

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**10.42am on 01-05-2024** MCSO has published at press release. Macon Media has posted a copy at https://thunderpigblog.blogspot.com/2024/01/two-die-in-structure-fire-on-prentiss.html

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