Fire claims life of woman
FIRE AFTERMATH — Alexander County firefighters battled a fatal house fire at this mobile home in the Frank Smith Mobile Home Park on Sunday, June 23.
By MICAH HENRY
An Alexander County woman died as the result of a house fire on Sunday morning, June 23, 2024.
Alexander County Fire Marshal Mark Earle stated the fire was reported at 9:52 a.m. at 148 Frank Smith Mobile Home Park Drive in the Sugar Loaf Community.
When firefighters arrived, the mobile home was involved in fire.
Eleanor Dykes Martin
Upon extinguishing the blaze, Eleanor Martin, 80, of the home, was found deceased in a bedroom. Martin had lived at that address for about ten years, said Earle. Her son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter also lived there but had gone to church at the time of the fire. It was also discovered that two dogs and one cat had died in the fire.
Earle said the fire was ruled accidental, having originated in the kitchen, caused by an extension cord.
Members of Sugar Loaf, Taylorsville, and Vashti fire departments responded, as well as Alexander County EMS, Alexander Sheriff’s Office, Alexander Fire Marshal’s Office, and Office of the State Fire Marshal.
Earle said the American Red Cross is assisting the family.
