Sweetwater – A residential fire off N.C. 143 early Sunday morning killed a local resident.
According to Graham County Sheriff Jerry Crisp, 40-year-old Matthew Stan Miller was inside a home at 100 Beech Creek Road with property owner Leslie Duncan and Miller’s unidentified daughter, when a heating and air unit on the porch experienced an electrical malfunction.
The unit reportedly exploded.
Miller was said to have awoken Duncan and his daughter and once safely outside, Miller attempted to run back into the residence to rescue an unknown number of animals.
Crisp noted the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation concluded that Miller was overwhelmed with smoke inhalation once back inside the now fully-engulfed home and collapsed, before succumbing to the fire.
It is believed the explosion occurred around 12:30 a.m.
Firefighters from both Graham County and Stecoah responded and fought the blaze until after daybreak Sunday morning, with Miller’s body recovered around 8 a.m.
The American Red Cross has stepped in to assist Duncan and Miller’s minor daughter with the sudden loss.
The home was located directly behind Sweetwater Baptist Church, which is visible from N.C. 143. With crews still at the property for hours following the fire being brought under control, members of the church prepared a lunch for the emergency personnel still on-site.