MERIDIAN – Three people died in separate fires across Mississippi over the weekend, bringing the state’s fire death total to 63 for the year, according to the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
The first fire happened Friday, Oct. 16, on Falcon Street in Greenwood.
The Greenwood Fire Department found 78-year-old Donnie Martin Williams in her bedroom. State Fire Marshal investigators determined the fire was accidental and was caused by smoking while using oxygen.
A second fatal fire happened before 11 a.m. Sunday on Morgan Lane in Purvis.
Authorities said 80-year-old Sarah Trujillo Shows was found inside the Lamar County home along with two dogs. The Oak Grove Volunteer Fire Department responded to the double-wide manufactured home, which was destroyed.
Investigators believe the fire started outside the home near the right rear corner before spreading inside. The cause remains under investigation.
A third fatal fire happened around 12:30 p.m. Sunday on B Benson Road in Courtland.
Authorities said 65-year-old George David Miles died after a wood-frame home caught fire.
According to a witness, Miles came out of the home, retrieved a bucket and then went back inside. Deputies believe he may have been trying to put out the fire.
Miles did not come back out.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office said the incident serves as a reminder never to re-enter a burning home for any reason.
The Panola County fire also remains under investigation.
