A Monday morning house fire claimed the life of an elderly Carthage man.
The call came in from a neighbor saying he had seen flames and smoke around 10:30 a.m. in the 300 block of Murdocksville Road outside of Carthage.
When the first units arrived on the scene, they saw heavy flames and smoke coming from multiple areas of the home. Smoke could be seen as far as Highway 15-501 and Doubs Chapel Road.
Firefighters from multiple agencies fought the fire from the exterior of the home. There was no way firefighters could make an interior attack. The remains of the victim were found after the fire had been put out.
Due to the condition of the home and the heavy fire damage, units were on scene until 6:30 p.m.
According to Chief Tyner of Carthage Fire Department, the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Office of the State Fire Marshal were called to assist in the investigation with Moore County Fire Marshal.
The exact cause of the fire is unknown and is still being investigated. The identity of the man has not been released at this time.
Responding were Carthage Fire and Rescue, Eastwood Fire and Rescue, Southern Pines Fire and Rescue, Seven Lakes Fire and Rescue, Moore County Sheriff’s Office, ATF, SBI, NC State Fire Marshal, Moore County Fire Marshal, Moore County EMS, Moore County Public Safety, and Moore County DOT.
Cypress Pointe Fire and Rescue was placed on standby at Carthage Fire and Rescue during the fire to assist with any incoming 911 calls.
~Article, photo, and video by Sandhills Sentinel Reporter Curtis Self.
