At 4:41pm yesterday, the Clinton Fire Department received an alarm for a structure fire at 102 West Fairview Street in Clinton. The on-duty crew of 4 personnel and Fire Chief Mark Manuel responded to the address, finding light smoke showing from the residence upon their arrival.
While en route to the address, fire crews were notified by Central Dispatch that Clinton Police officers on scene had obtained information that a resident of the home was possibly still inside. Fire crews immediately formed a search crew and entered the home to search for possible occupants still inside. Two search crews entered the home and located an occupant, unresponsive, in a bedroom of the residence.
The occupant was removed from the home by the search crews into EMS care. Fire and EMS personnel immediately began resuscitation efforts on the occupant who was pulseless. After approximately 45 minutes of resuscitation efforts, the occupant was pronounced deceased.
An investigation into the cause of the fire was initiated by Fire Chief Mark Manuel with the assistance of Clinton Fire Department Fire Investigator Lieutenant Mitch Grimes. The State Fire Marshal’s Office was requested to assist in the investigation and upon their arrival, a joint investigation team was initiated to determine the cause of the fire.
After the investigation was concluded, the fire was ruled accidental in nature with a probable cause of misuse of candles. It is believed that the victim of this fire was asleep when the fire started and did not awake to the fire, succumbing to smoke inhalation while sleeping. The home did have smoke detectors, however, none were sounding upon the arrival of fire crews.
A total of 14 firefighters were on scene for approximately 4 hours. Assisting agencies included the Clinton Police Department, Golden Valley Memorial Hospital Ambulance, and Henry County Coroner Dain Sisk.
