Orange County 9-1-1 received a call for a reported structure fire at 818 Faucette Mill Road shortly before 1 a.m. on Jan. 9. The Orange Rural Fire Department responded along with Efland, Caldwell and Cedar Grove Fire Departments and Orange County EMS units.
Orange County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrived on scene and found a portion of the two-story duplex heavily involved in fire. Deputies took quick action to remove as many occupants as possible and rendered aid until the arrival of EMS units.
The fire resulted in one fatality and four injuries. Three of the injured were transported by EMS to the UNC Medical Center in Chapel Hill. Their conditions are unknown at this time.
The fourth injury was sustained by a first responder who was evaluated and released from UNC Medical Center earlier this morning. The deceased victim was transported to the Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Raleigh.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Orange County Fire Marshal with support from the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
"We would like to express our profound appreciation to the Orange County Sheriff's Office personnel who took decisive action that ultimately saved multiple lives," said Orange County Emergency Services Director Kirby Saunders. "We also extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased. The Emergency Services Department will work with our community partners to coordinate support for the survivors in the days ahead."