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Ochre Hill woman dies in Sunday morning fire
By Lynn Hotaling
An Ochre Hill woman died Sunday (Dec. 12) when an early morning fire engulfed her home.
Danice Williams of 377 Posey Blanton Road died after being trapped in her bedroom, said Jackson County Sheriff Jimmy Ashe.
Williams called the county's emergency dispatch at 4:47 a.m., and a firefighter was on the scene by 4:50 a.m., said Johnny Nichholson, chief of the Balsam Fire Department.
"The whole front of the house – the bedroom area – was engulfed in flames," Nicholson said. "There was nothing we could do."
Firefighters attempted to enter the home through the back entrance, but smoke was too thick, Nicholson said.
The first firetruck arrived at the scene at 4:57 a.m., he said.
Williams apparently hung up on the 911 dispatcher and called a neighbor, perhaps thinking the neighbor could reach her faster; however, the first firefighter arrived at Williams' home before the neighbor did, Nicholson said.
According to Nicholson, Williams had recently had hip surgery and had spent several weeks in a hospital, returning home early last week.
The first firefighter to arrive lived on U.S. 23-74 just a short distance from Williams' home, Nicholson said.
A cat survived the blaze, Nicholson said. The animal was found in a box under some debris and fled the scene as soon as it was freed, Nicholson said.
County Fire Marshal Todd Dillard and Sheriff's Office personnel investigated the blaze and found no evidence of foul play, Sheriff Ashe said.
"It appeared as if an electric oil heater was the possible cause," Ashe said.
The heater, which was located near the bedroom, had been overturned and some oil had leaked out, Ashe said. The heater had been plugged into an extension cord, according to Nicholson.
Sylva and Cullowhee fire departments provided mutual aid, and there were about 30 firefighters on the scene, Nicholson said.
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