Buncombe County -- April 15, 2026: An official news release from Buncombe County Fire Marshal Kevin Tipton has confirmed a tragic residential fire that occurred in the early hours of April 15, 2026, resulting in a fatality.
Incident Details
The fire broke out at 12:22 a.m. at a residence located at 2511 NC Hwy. 9 in the Broad River community. According to the Fire Marshal's statement, initial 911 calls indicated that a resident was trapped inside the burning structure.
Emergency Response and Rescue Efforts
The Broad River Fire Department was the primary agency on the scene, bolstered by a massive collaborative effort from 11 mutual aid fire agencies. Additional support was provided by:
Buncombe County Emergency Medical Services
Buncombe County Emergency Management
Buncombe County Fire Marshal’s Office
Black Mountain Fire Marshal’s Office
Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office
Despite "multiple rescue attempts" made by emergency personnel to reach the individual inside, the occupant, identified as John W. Sobol, perished in the blaze.
Investigation Findings
Preliminary results from the fire investigation suggest the cause was accidental. The Fire Marshal's Office noted that the fire most likely originated near a portable heating device.
"Our thoughts are with the Sobol family, the emergency responders and the entire Broad River community," stated Fire Marshal Tipton.
The Fire Marshal’s Office has indicated that no further information will be released at this time.