Carolina Beach fire victim identified

CAROLINA BEACH, NC (WWAY) — Carolina Beach Police have identified the woman who died in the fire that damaged several condos at Inland Harbor condominiums.

Police say Deborah Ann Reifschneider, 69, died in the fire that broke out Monday morning in the 500 block of St. Joseph Street.

(Photo: Rodney Elliott)

The fire destroyed Reifshneider’s home and two others.

According to a news release, the official cause of death is pending and will be determined by the medical examiner’s office.

Due to the amount of damage to the building, the fire is being ruled as undetermined with no suspicious circumstances.

Eight other condos were damaged by either smoke or water.

Neighbors say Reifschneider was a fixture in the community.

“Everybody knew Debbie she’s the sweetest woman, she’d give you the shirt off her back,” said Rocky Ruffin, whose condo was also destroyed.

Ruffin wants to hold a memorial in her honor.

“We were all huddled up over there across the street there watching the fire just praying. That prayer didn’t get answered for us and hopefully she’s in a lot better place,” he said.

Several places on the island are helping the fire victims, including The Savannah Inn, The Lazy Pirate, Carolina Beach Bar Club and Buzz’s Roost restaurant.

The Pleasure Island Disaster Relief Fund is also hoping to raise $50,000 for the victims.