Six accidental house fires in one week

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — As of this morning, another person has died in a fire in Brunswick county. It's the second fatal fire in one week. Michael Powell, 51, died in the burn center at Chapel Hill.

Now in just seven days six accidental house fires have occurred in the county including in Holden Beach, Supply, and Winnabow. Many of the fires have one thing in common.

"Most have been related to some type of heating device," said Brunswick County Fire Marshal Scott Garner.

Heating devices include space heaters and wood stoves, which was the cause in some of the fires.

The weather plays a big role in why these fires occurred.

"When we do have these cold snaps we do see a rise of people turning on their heaters," said Garner.

Although, "Out of the 6 fires, some did have smoke detectors and some didn't," said Garner. He adds that it's really important to have a working smoke detector because it gives you an early warning, which could mean life or death.

 "Especially when you're asleep, that early warning can give you extra seconds to get out of your home." 

Garner says most of the fires could have been prevented.