Officials: Fatal fire in Supply ruled accidental

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Investigators have ruled a fatal fire in Supply as accidental.

Investigators said the fire at 2570 Hazelnut Trail was ruled accidental in nature and that there was no evidence of any foul play.

They said the fire started in the living room and was caused by a heater being left too close to combustible materials. Investigators said there was no evidence of operating smoke alarms found during their investigation.

Keith Thatcher, 22, Melissa Thatcher, 23, and Caleb Rankin, 3, all died in that fire. Melissa Thatcher was four months pregnant, officials said.

Investigators said the cause of their deaths was determined to be smoke inhalation.