HERTFORD — Investigators have determined that a devastating residential fire in Perquimans County that claimed the lives of three men early Saturday morning, December 13, was accidental. News media reports have identified the victims.
The fire broke out in the early morning hours at a residence in the 1900 block of Harvey Point Road in Hertford. According to press releases from Perquimans County Emergency Services and the Perquimans County Sheriff’s Office, the Perquimans-Gates 911 Communications Center received the emergency call, and multiple fire departments responded to the scene.
The incident resulted in three fatalities and two survivors who escaped with minor injuries.
According to a memorial at the site, the residents who died as a result of the fire were Adonai de Jesus Cruz Gomez, Arbey de Jesus Lopez Vazquez and Josias Gomez Gomez.
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the North Carolina State Fire Marshal’s Office assisted with the investigation. Following their investigation, the fire was determined to be accidental, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
The Knights of Columbus Council 11180 in Edenton said in a statement that all five occupants of the house worked locally in landscaping and lawn maintenance. The men lost everything in the blaze except the clothes on their backs.
Bethel Fire Chief Darren Saunders served as Incident Commander. The fire was brought under control with assistance from the Bethel Fire Department, Hertford Fire Department, Winfall Fire Department, Perquimans County EMS, Perquimans Emergency Management, and the Perquimans County Sheriff’s Office.
The two survivors are being temporarily housed in the area and urgently need assistance, according to the Knights of Columbus.
The organization has established a “Fire Victims Fund” to support the families of the deceased by transporting their remains home and providing assistance with clothing, housing items, and ongoing support for the two survivors.
Those wishing to contribute can make checks payable to “Knights of Columbus” with “Fire Victims Fund” written on the memo line. Donations should be sent to: Knights of Columbus, St Ann’s Catholic Church, 207 N. Broad Street, Edenton, NC 27932
For questions or more information about how to help, contact Walt Smith, Financial Secretary of the Knights of Columbus, at 252-339-7783.
The Sheriff’s Office extended condolences in its statement: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims.“