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House fire that killed Waco woman not weather-related, officials say

WACO, N.C. — A house fire that killed a 96-year-old woman was not weather-related, Cleveland County investigators said.

Fire officials said that when crews arrived at the home on Stony Point Road in Waco on Wednesday, Mary Lee Wilson was already dead.

Investigators believe the fire was started by an overloaded extension cord.

Wilson’s nephew, who lives nearby, told Channel 9 he saw the home consumed in flames.

“I heard a boom, and next thing I know, I thought it was the door to my garage,” her nephew said. “I went to the garage and it wasn't that. I looked outside and saw a bunch of smoke. It was high too.”

Investigators said there was not an explosion and the loud noise may have been the sound of windows breaking.