On October 20, 2015 around 2:21 p.m., the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a house fire at 276 Chandler Road in Vanceboro, NC. Chocowinity Volunteer Fire Department along with Blounts Creek, Grimesland, and Vanceboro Volunteer Fire Departments, responded and began to extinguish the fire. Chocowinity EMS and Washington Fire/ Rescue/ EMS also responded to provide EMS support. Upon arrival, firefighters learned the house was occupied by three residents and that two of the residents were able to get out of the residence. While on scene, firefighters located a male deceased in the residence. The victim is identified as Ronnie Dean Ennis, age 71 of 276 Chandler Road.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation and requested the assistance of the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation to process the scene. Fire patterns observed at the scene indicate the fire originated somewhere under the attached carport. Due to the extensive damage to the property, Investigators were unable to determine an exact location where the fire originated. Although the investigation is ongoing, Investigators do not suspect foul play.
During firefighting operations, one firefighter was transported to Vidant Beaufort Hospital and released with non-life threatening injuries. There were no other injuries reported. The American Red Cross is assisting the family.
The Sheriff’s Office also received additional calls reporting shots being fired in the area of the fire at the time the fire was reported. The investigation revealed the sounds to be originating from ammunition and aerosol cans stored in the residence bursting as a result of the heat from the fire.
