News Summary
A house fire in North Charleston early in the morning resulted in the tragic death of a 69-year-old woman, Donna Vanpelt. Fire crews faced significant challenges in locating her due to intense flames and heavy smoke after her sister was rescued. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the fire, while the surviving sister receives support from the American Red Cross.
North Charleston
A tragic house fire in North Charleston has claimed the life of a 69-year-old woman, identified as Donna Vanpelt, on June 13, 2025. The fire broke out on Cochise Street in the early morning hours, with reports of the incident first received by police shortly after 3:30 a.m.
At approximately 3:34 a.m., authorities were alerted to the flames engulfing the one-story residence. One occupant, a 67-year-old woman, was successfully rescued from the porch by police officers. The woman informed the responders that her sister remained trapped inside the burning home, prompting police to search for Donna Vanpelt.
Fire crews arrived soon after and worked tirelessly to control the blaze. However, the intense flames and heavy smoke made it incredibly challenging to locate Vanpelt inside the structure. Despite their efforts to find her, responders discovered her still in the house. Lifesaving measures were initiated, but unfortunately, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Firefighters, who were able to gain control of the fire, reported no injuries among their ranks during this tragic incident. In the aftermath, the surviving sister is receiving assistance from the American Red Cross as she copes with the loss of her sibling and the destruction of their home.
The precise cause of the fire remains undetermined, with investigations underway led by the North Charleston Fire Department. Officials are working diligently to uncover the source of the flames that resulted in this heartbreaking loss of life.
After the occurrence, a heavy scent of smoke lingered in the area, serving as a somber reminder of the morning’s events. Members of the Charleston County Coroner’s Office confirmed the identity of the victim, as well as the cause of her death, following the discovery of her body by emergency personnel.
Community members have expressed their condolences for the family affected by this devastating event. The investigation continues as local fire officials seek answers and the North Charleston community grapples with the aftermath of the fire.
This incident highlights not only the dangers of house fires but also the importance of having proper safety measures in place, such as smoke detectors and escape plans, to help protect families in the event of an emergency.
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Additional Resources
- Live 5 News: Crews Respond to Deadly North Charleston Fire
- Wikipedia: House Fire
- ABC News 4: Coroner IDs 69-Year-Old Victim of Fatal North Charleston Fire
- Google Search: North Charleston fire investigation
- Count on 2: NCFD Responds to Structure Fire on Cochise Street
- Google Scholar: Fire Safety Measures
- Post and Courier: North Charleston Early Morning Fire
- Encyclopedia Britannica: House Fire Safety
- ABC News 4: House Fire on Cochise Street Claims One Life
- Google News: North Charleston fire updates
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
