Piedmont woman dies in mobile home fire

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By Stan Welch

A Piedmont woman perished in a house fire early Wednesday morning, according to Piedmont Fire Chief Tracy Wallace.

Sandra Frazier, 66 years old, was found in the living room of her mobile home at 8 River Street at approximately 1:05 a,m, Wednesday morning. A neighbor made the 911 call after seeing flames coming from the house. The firefighters immediately removed Frazier from the house and began emergency care, but she was deceased. The coroner later declared her dead at the scene, but no official cause of death has been released at this time.

Chief Wallace said that the first firefighters on the scene made entry and found Frazier deceased in a chair in the living room. The fire was actually in the bedroom, and a window unit air conditioner is being considered as a probable source of ignition, though the fire remains under investigation at this time.

Wallace said that two engines and six firefighters responded immediately to the scene which is just across Highway 86 from the fire department. Eventually approximately 15 firefighters responded. Wallace said Frazier had a smoke detector in the bedroom, which appeared to be in working order. He supposed that her location in another room may have kept her from hearing it. “Of course, we advise everyone to install and maintain smoke alarms. A situation like this one is the exception to the rule. Smoke alarms do save lives in most circumstances.”

Frazier had a history of health issues, according to Wallace. “We have responded to medical calls concerning Ms. Frazier on several occasions. This is our first fire fatality in several years. It is a shame that this lady lost her life.”

Two dogs also perished in the fire; one that was always with Ms. Frazier was found next to her chair.