Fire claims home in Wittenburg

Two local people were left without a home after a weekend fire at their residence, according to Alexander County Fire Marshal Chris Hicks.

On Sunday, July 12, 2026, Wittenburg Fire Department, along with Bethlehem and Taylorsville, were dispatched to a reported structure fire at 196 Thinking Tree Lane in the Wittenburg Community, said Hicks.

Fire crews were dispatched at 5:43 p.m., with the first fire engine arriving on scene at 5:47 p.m. and reporting a working fire in a doublewide home. Crews deployed handlines to make an aggressive interior attack to try to control the fire. The fire was declared under control at 6:06 p.m.

Crews continued to overhaul the scene and assist the family with retrieving personal items from the residence. The occupants were at home at the time the fire occurred but were able to escape without injury, the Fire Marshal noted. The home did have extensive fire, heat, smoke, and water damage. American Red Cross was called in to assist the family with any needs that they may have.

Hicks did not release the names of the occupants. However, the home is owned by Alan Richard Stutz and Ann Marie Davis, according to Alexander County online tax map information.
The Alexander County Fire Marshal’s Office determined that the fire was started by improperly discarded smoking material on the back deck of the residence. The fire is classified as accidental. The owners did have insurance.

The home was equipped with smoke alarms that were activating upon the arrival of fire personnel. No injuries were reported.

Units on the scene, in addition to the above fire departments, included Hiddenite Fire Department, Alexander County EMS, Alexander County Fire Marshal’s Office, Wittenburg Fire Dept. Ladies Auxiliary, and American Red Cross. Hicks said he would also like to thank the Alexander County 911 Communications Center for their assistance.