GARNER, N.C. (WNCN) — Three people died in a house fire in Wake County Tuesday morning, according to Garner Fire-Rescue interim Chief Barrett Penny.
The call to respond to the home at the corner of Rand and Ten Ten roads came in at 9:38 a.m. and the first crew from Garner was on scene within five minutes, according to the chief. Crews found heavy smoke, which was put out with the assistance of Fairview and Fuquay-Varina firefighters.
The Wake County Sheriff’s Office said a man and two juveniles were found dead during a search of the home.
Deputies identified the man as 49-year-old Shannon Collins. The identities of the juveniles, age 13 and 15, are being withheld as of Tuesday night.
According to the sheriff’s office, two cats were also found dead inside the home.
As of Tuesday night, deputies said the cause and manner of the deaths remains under investigation by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
“The entire sheriff’s office is thinking about and praying for the loved ones of the victims,” Sheriff Willie Rowe said in a statement. “A tragedy like this impacts the entire community and we understand there are questions that may arise. Our investigators and partnering agencies are working diligently to conduct a thorough investigation. We ask for your patience as that work continues.”
Said Penny, “Our heart goes out to the victims.”
Public records show Kerrith McDowell owns the house. According to neighbors, she lived there with her husband and two sons.
McDowell was at the scene surrounded by Wake County chaplains.
Neighbors said this wasn’t the first time they saw law enforcement at the house.
“The sheriff’s office was here last night,” a neighbor said. “They were here last week. I’ve seen them take the husband away.”
Due to the excessive heat, Penny said crews stayed hydrated and took cool-off breaks. No heat-related conditions have been reported.
“Wake County EMS provides rehab for us,” Penny said. “They did a phenomenal job monitoring our people today, making sure they were protected from the heat, not allowing overexertion and working beyond capabilities.”
