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Rachel Tackett, public information office for the Town of Kill Devil Hills, addressed the press in a briefing around 10:30 a.m. on Friday, August 11 regarding a fatal structure fire that occurred on the 1800 block of North Virginia Dare Trail early that morning.

“A call came in of a structure fire a little after 2:20 a.m.,” she stated. A four bedroom, four bathroom historically-designated home was engulfed in flames when responders arrived on scene two minutes after the call came in. Tackett reported that there were three fatalities and three injuries involved. The fatalities included two adults and a minor of teenage age. Additionally, two adults were flown out for further treatment and one minor of teenage age was treated locally and released. The cars found in the driveway had Maryland license plates. No additional information regarding the victims is available at this time.

Regarding the cause of the fire, an investigation is ongoing. In addition to the Kill Devil Hills fire and police departments, crews that responded to the scene included Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Colington and Nags Head fire departments. Dare EMS also responded along with the State Bureau of Investigations, who has been on scene since daybreak.

The fire has been contained. Responders are continuing to remove debris in an effort to extinguish the fire fully. Tackett reported that the property to the north received minor damage and is still occupied. The property to the south received more extensive damage and the occupants have been safely removed and relocated. It is unknown at this point whether the property under investigation had smoke detectors.

“I want to stress with the tragedy of this situation, all of our first responders were here immediately and took all proper action needed,” said Tackett. “We ask for prayers and understanding at this time, especially for the victims, their family and friends. Prayers for the first responders to continue their investigation respectfully, and giving them some space to do so.”

North Virginia Dare Trail was closed between Third Street and Fifth Street in Kill Devil Hills, with travelers asked to use Highway 158 to maneuver around the scene. Tackett was unsure how long the investigation will take. Further information will be relayed once available.

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