Sheriff’s Office says no signs of foul play or evidence fire was intentionally set
By: Tracy Sanders, Publisher
tracy@thewoodrufftimes.com
WOODRUFF, S.C. — A woman who died following a residential fire in Woodruff has been identified as Laura Pillion, 61.
The fatal fire happened July 5 at 310 Country Estates Road. According to the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the scene at the request of the Trinity Fire Department following the deadly fire.
The Sheriff’s Office said it is standard procedure for its Arson Unit to assist in determining the origin and cause of any fire involving a fatality.
Investigators determined there were no signs of foul play and found no evidence that the fire was intentionally set, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
According to occupants of the residence, fireworks had been discharged earlier in the evening. After they were used, the spent fireworks and related debris were discarded into a plastic trash container located beside the home’s wooden porch.
Based on physical evidence and investigative findings, the Sheriff’s Office said the fire originated in the area of the porch. Investigators said they cannot rule out the possibility that residual heat from the discarded fireworks or associated cardboard packaging rekindled and ignited the fire.
The investigation into the fire has been concluded.
The Sheriff’s Office reminded the public that fireworks can retain heat long after they appear to be extinguished. Officials said spent fireworks should be thoroughly soaked in water before disposal and should never be placed in or near combustible materials or structures until they have completely cooled.
While investigators did not state that fireworks definitively caused the fire, they said discarded fireworks debris remains a possible factor based on the evidence found at the scene.
Pillion’s death serves as a tragic reminder of the importance of safely disposing of fireworks, especially during holiday celebrations.
