For Immediate Release:
2/19/2026
Subject: Residential Structure Fire

Shortly before 4:30 this morning Lawrence County Fire Rescue units were notified by Lawrence County E-911 of a reported structure fire in a residence on Chief Creek Road in the Henryville Fire District. Initial dispatch information indicated that one patient on the scene had severe burns as a result of the fire.

First arriving units found a heavily involved residence with several endangered exposures including a mobile home that was less than 20 feet from the residence that was on fire. A Lawrence County Constable and a Deputy Sheriff were on scene assisting EMS with patient care of an elderly female with significant burns and a child with minor burns.

We were able to quickly confirm that everyone was out of the home. Due to the progress of the fire and limited water supply our personnel made the decision to operate in defensive mode in order to prevent fire spread to the neighboring residence and other structures. Multiple tankers from across the County responded to assist in a water shuttle operation to provide water for fire suppression. The closest credible water source was 8-10 minutes from the scene. As tanker support arrived on scene our firefighters were able to completely extinguish the fire.

Preliminary information on the scene indicates that the occupants of the home were awakened by the fire. Statements from those on the scene also indicate that the elderly female burn victim was pulled from the burning home by the 12 year old child while another sibling called 911. Both the elderly female, and the child were treated on the scene and transported to Vanderbilt Medical Center by Lawrence County Emergency Medical Services. We are told that there were no working smoke detectors present in the home. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

We are thankful for the actions of the child on scene at the time of the discovery of the fire. Her heroic efforts quite possibly saved a life this morning.