The Alexander County Fire Marshall’s Office has confirmed that the victim of the Thursday fire north of Taylorsville was 63-year old Kathy Ann Barker. Barker lived at the scene of the blaze, 577 Clearview Lane.
Taylorsville, Hiddenite, and Sugar Loaf Fire Departments responded shortly after 3pm on Thursday. The double wide mobile home structure was engulfed in flames when units arrived. Barker’s body was found inside the dwelling.
County Fire Marshall Mark Earle said this morning that the cause is not yet determined but it’s not suspicious. It appears Barker was attempting to escape the fire based on her body being located near the front door. A neighbor noticed the smoke and called 911.