The Hinesville Fire Department confirmed Tuesday the identities of three people found in a Gause Street home destroyed in an April 5 fire.
The victims are Rosa Pearl Strickland, 82, Carl Edward Strickland, 68, and Annie Lorene Grigsby, 62, according to HFD Public Information Officer Capt. Robert Kitchings.
Kitchings said the fire remains under investigation, but “no foul play is suspected at this time.”
The fire was reported about 9:30 p.m. Thursday, according to Kitchings.
Three HFD trucks with 20 firefighters and Liberty County Fire and Emergency Services responded within a minute of the call, according to Brittany Denny, the city’s public relations manager.
But, officials said, by the time emergency responders arrived, the home, described by firefighters last week as an older wooden structure, was already 80 percent involved, with flames seen shooting from the building.
“Firefighters attempted to make entry, but due to the fire and lack of structural integrity, they were unable to enter the home,” a city news release said.
The fire was under control within about two hours. At first, authorities only confirmed one body was found inside the home, but by Friday morning HFD said three victims had been found.
“We are deeply saddened by the deaths of these three individuals,” Hinesville City Manager Kenneth Howard said. “Fatal fires are not a common occurrence in the City of Hinesville and our prayers are with the family and friends of these long-time citizens.”