As temperatures dip, 2 found dead in Wilkes County house fire

WASHINGTON, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Two people have died after a fire in Wilkes County on Wednesday afternoon.

The Wilkes County Sheriff’s Office says around 1 p.m., the 911 center dispatched the Wilkes County Fire Department, Washington Fire Department, Wilkes County EMS, and the sheriff’s office to a structure fire located on Greensboro Road.

Upon arrival, the sheriff’s office says the residence was found to be fully involved with fire.

While fighting the fire, public safety personnel confirmed that the home was occupied by two people, according to deputies.

The sheriff’s office says the two occupants of the home were found dead inside the residence.

“We send our condolences and sympathy to the families of those involved,” said Wilkes County EMS.

The Wilkes County Sheriff’s Office, the Wilkes County Coroner’s Office, the Wilkes County Fire Department, and the State Fire Marshall’s Office are currently investigating the fire. The cause and origin are still under investigation.

The coroner’s office tells us the victims have been sent off to be identified.

The sheriff’s office says this is the third fire-related death this month in the county.

Winter is one of the worst times of year for house fires, usually due to efforts to stay warm. This week has brought a wave of temperatures in the 20s as well as a blanket of snow.

Quick tips

• Keep space heaters at least three feet from anything flammable, plug them directly into an outlet or UL-certified power strip, and make sure they have an auto-shutoff if they tip over. Never use your oven to heat your home.
• Keep alternative heating sources prepared. If you have a fireplace, store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood. Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure your family knows how to use them. Properly vent kerosene heaters to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Also, do not burn charcoal indoors. Carbon monoxide poisoning can result from charcoal fumes indoors.
• Have your fireplace or wood stove chimney and chimney connectors inspected and cleaned at the start of the heating season.
• Do not plug heating equipment into extension cords. This can lead to overheating of the cord, damage to the appliance, and increased risk of fire or electric shock.
• Move anything that can burn at least 3 feet from your heater, fireplace, or wood stove. Fifty-four percent of home heating fire deaths were caused by having heating equipment too close to things that can burn.
• Keep your children and pets safely away from your portable or space heater.
• Turn off your portable or space heater before leaving the room.
• Never use your oven to heat your home.
• Put generators outside and close nearby windows.
• Use flashlights not candles when power goes out.
• Check that smoke alarms are working.
• Sleep with bedroom doors closed.
• Make sure windows can open and are unobstructed.

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