A person was found dead in a residential fire in Morganton on Sunday.
At approximately 6:00 a.m., the Morganton Department of Public Safety responded to a structure fire at 401 Lenoir Road (Forest View Apartments). Upon arrival, responders encountered an upstairs corner apartment with heavy smoke and an active fire. Fire suppression efforts were immediately initiated, and adjacent apartments were evacuated.
During the response, a deceased individual was found inside the affected apartment. Suppression efforts continued, and firefighters successfully contained the blaze, preventing further spread to neighboring units.
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation was contacted to assist with the ongoing investigation. Additionally, the American Red Cross responded to provide assistance to displaced families from the surrounding apartments.
Investigators remained on the scene Sunday, and the case remains under investigation. In addition to Public Safety, agencies involved include the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, Burke County EMS, and the American Red Cross.
Story: Rob Eastswood-WHKY