Release: IMMEDIATE
Date: July 22, 2019
Contact: MIKE WILLIS, BURKE FIRE MARSHAL
Phone: (828) 764-9321
Fire Fatality
Drexel, NC - On Monday July 22, 2019 at 1:14 p.m. a fire was reported by a neighbor at 204 Valdese Drive, Drexel, N.C. with a possible victim trapped in the basement. Firefighters arrived on the scene within six (6) minutes to find heavy smoke coming from the basement area. Firefighters quickly conducted a primary search of the basement, located, and removed the victim. Fire and EMS personnel attempted to resuscitate the victim but were unsuccessful. Firefighters were able to control the fire within approximately 30 minutes.
The victim was April Denise Dale, 28 years of age. The cause of death will be determined by the Medical Examiner’s Office.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Agencies responding to the fire: Drexel Fire Department, Triple Community Fire Department, Valdese Fire Department, Lovelady Fire Department, Chesterfield Fire Department, Oak Hill Fire Department, North Catawba Fire Department, Salem Fire Department, Burke REACT, Burke County EMS, Burke County Fire Marshals Office, Drexel Police, Burke County Sheriff’s Office, NC SBI.
The Drexel Police Department and the SBI are assisting the Fire Marshal’s Office with the investigation.
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