The Town of Kill Devil Hills has provided updates on two recent fires that occurred on August 11, 2023, and September 3, 2023:
August 11, 2023
Multiple local and state agencies have been working together to collect and analyze data from the fatal fire that occurred on August 11, 2023, at 1825 North Virginia Dare Trail, in Kill Devil Hills. This was an extremely catastrophic fire that claimed the lives of three people and injured others. The fire destroyed the home it began in, as well as damaging the two neighboring homes. The cause of the fire is currently undetermined, but still under investigation. The Kill Devil Hills Fire Department (KDHFD) will continue to work with all new information as it is presented in an attempt to reach a more definable conclusion.
The Town of Kill Devil Hills continues to offer its condolences to the families of the victims, and all involved, in this heart-wrenching tragedy.
The Town would like to recognize the immediate and dedicated response of its Fire and Police Departments, as well as the fire crews from Southern Shores, Duck, Kitty Hawk, Colington, and Nags Head Fire Departments, along with Dare County EMS who were all on scene and assisted with the operation of this incident.
Following a portion of this investigation, officials were able to confirm that the home did have working smoke alarms. Working smoke alarms are critical to all home fire safety plans; they save lives. In addition to working smoke alarms, the KDHFD would like to remind everyone of the importance of knowing your location and knowing at least two ways to get out of a building in the event of a fire. Because fires can grow and spread very rapidly, the top priority is always getting out of a home as quickly and safely as possible.
As any new information becomes available, an updated release will be issued.
September 3, 2023
On September 3, 2023, the Kill Devil Hills Fire Department (KDHFD) responded to a deck fire on the 200 block of West Atlantic Street. The fire was extinguished and damage only occurred to the outside deck and rear siding of the structure. Additionally, there were no injuries reported in this incident. Upon investigation by the Kill Devil Hills Fire Marshal, it was determined that the cause of this fire was due to a grill. The KDHFD would like to remind everyone when using a grill to be sure it is placed well away from the home, deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches and to never leave a grill in use unattended.