Investigators rule out foul play in Columbus County fire | News

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WECT) – As of Friday, investigators say foul play was not the cause of the house fire that broke out Wednesday afternoon at a home off Highway 74/76, outside of Bolton. Three firemen were also injured in the fire.

Fire marshal Scott Merritt says officials are still waiting on a conclusion from the insurance investigator regarding what exactly caused the fire.

Merritt says it did start in the garage, and that all firefighters injured are at home and are recovering well.

Two of the men were injured when part of the home collapsed on them, and the third fireman was burned on the side of his face while inside the home, according to Fire Chief Steve Camlin.

Lindy Brown said his sister, Pauline Graham, who lives in the house, was in Burgaw buying food for a cookout. 

Brown said he was outside the home around 3 p.m. trying to get the grill to work when he saw the living room in flames.  He said the fire also spread to the garage.

According to Brown, Graham always uses her fireplace, but decided to turn on the heat Wednesday morning instead.  Officials have not confirmed Brown’s theory.

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