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Woman critically hurt in early morning fire

By Carey Phillips and Lynn Hotaling
A woman was critically injured and her husband and son were also hurt during a Tuesday morning (March 4) fire that destroyed their trailer.

The Richard Mills residence, on Parris Branch Road across from Scotts Creek School, was fully involved when firefighters arrived on the scene around 1 a.m., said Sylva Fire Chief Mike Beck.

"The trailer was a total loss," Beck said.

Phyllis Mills was airlifted to Baptist Hospital Burn Center in Winston-Salem, where she was listed in critical condition Wednesday morning.

Richard Mills and the couple's preschool-aged son were treated and released at Harris Regional Hospital, Beck said.

Sylva firefighters received mutual aid from the Balsam and Savannah fire departments and were assisted by WestCare EMS, Beck said. Personnel from the N.C. Department of Transportation also assisted at the scene.

Because of the injuries, the Jackson County Sheriff's Office was called to the scene. The State Bureau of Investigation's arson unit has been asked to help determine the cause and origin of the fire, said Sheriff Jimmy Ashe.

Back to Archive: 03/06/03.