WAXHAW, N.C. — A 61-year-old man died following a house fire in Waxhaw early Sunday morning.
The Union County Fire Marshal’s Office determined a space heater caused the fire.
Crews were called to a home in the 600 block of Howie Mine Road around 4:30 a.m. after a neighbor called 911 about a fire.
The first person to respond to the home was a police officer who tried to enter the home, but couldn’t due to intense smoke and flames. He was later released from the hospital after being treated for minor injuries.
Firefighters rescued Kenneth Robinson from the home. He was transported to Atrium Health Waxhaw, where he was pronounced deceased.
A second person escaped the home without injuries.
An investigation confirmed there was no working smoke alarm in the home.
“Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones affected by this tragic fire,” said Union County Fire Marshal Jon Williams. “We are grateful for the quick actions of the neighbor who called 911 and the first responders who worked to rescue the victim. This tragedy is also a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly a fire can become life-threatening. As temperatures drop and families begin using supplemental heating sources, we urge everyone to keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn and make sure their homes have working smoke alarms.”
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