A Bulloch County woman died in a house fire early Monday morning. Firefighters were dispatched to a residence in the 100 block of Joe Robert Tillman Road at 7:51 a.m. on January 20, 2025.
Bulloch County Fire Stations 3, 4, and 13, along with Engine 3, Statesboro Fire, Bulloch County EMS, and Bulloch County Sheriff’s Officers responded to the scene. Upon arrival, emergency personnel found heavy smoke billowing from the single-story home and confirmed that one occupant was trapped inside.
Firefighters made a rapid rescue attempt and were able to remove the woman from the house. Sadly, she did not survive. Other occupants of the home managed to escape without injury.
Bulloch County Deputy Coroner Michele Smith responded to the scene but has not released the name of the deceased pending notification of family.
The fire caused significant damage to the residence from fire, smoke, and water.
The American Red Cross Disaster Action Team (DAT), Bulloch VOAD - Bulloch Strong, the Statesboro Food Bank, Christan Social Ministries and Fostering Bulloch Hope Chest are offering immediate assistance to the family, including temporary housing, food, and other essential needs. Members of the community who wish to help are encouraged to work through local agencies such as Fostering Bulloch Hope Chest.
The cause of the fire is unknown at this time. Bulloch County Fire investigators are conducting a routine cause and origin investigation.
Fire safety
With dangerously cold temperatures moving into the area over the next few days, local fire officials are urging residents to take extra precautions to prevent house fires. Heating equipment is a leading cause of home fires during the winter months.
Here are some important fire safety tips to keep in mind, especially during cold weather:
- Space Heaters: Keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn, such as curtains, furniture, and bedding. Never leave space heaters unattended, and always turn them off when you leave a room or go to sleep. Never use extension cords with space heaters; plug them directly into a wall outlet.
- Fireplaces and Wood Stoves: Have your chimney and fireplace inspected and cleaned annually by a qualified professional. Use a fireplace screen to prevent sparks from escaping. Never leave a fire unattended, and make sure ashes are completely cool before disposing of them in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid. Keep the container outside and away from the house.
- Furnaces and Heating Systems: Have your furnace and other heating systems inspected and serviced annually by a qualified technician. Ensure that vents and flues are clear of obstructions.
- Cooking Safety: Never leave cooking food unattended on the stove. Keep flammable materials away from the stovetop.
- Smoke Alarms: Ensure that you have working smoke alarms on every level of your home, especially inside and outside sleeping areas. Test your smoke alarms monthly and replace batteries at least once a year, or according to manufacturer's instructions. Consider installing interconnected smoke alarms, so that if one alarm sounds, they all sound.
- Carbon Monoxide Alarms: Install carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home, especially near sleeping areas. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly.
By following these safety tips, residents can help protect themselves and their families from the dangers of house fires, especially during periods of extreme cold.