On 02/21/2021 shortly after 10:00 pm Beaufort County Emergency Communications received a 911 call reporting a heavily involved structure fire at 486 E. Bayside Drive in Chocowinity. The caller reported the homeowner was likely still inside the residence. Members of Chocowinity Fire Department, Chocowinity EMS, Bunyan Fire Department, Washington Fire/Rescue/EMS, Beaufort County EMS, Beaufort County Emergency Management, and the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene. After about 4 ½ hours the blaze was contained but the home appears to be a total loss.
It has been confirmed that 2 dogs died in the fire. Unfortunately, the owner of the home, 58 yr old Vann Richard (“Chip”) Laughinghouse is still unaccounted for. Investigators, Firefighters and Emergency Management personnel will be continuing their search of the debris for a second day. If you know Chip Laughinghouse and have spoken to him in the past few days, you are asked to call the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office at 252-946-7111
