Lexington County, South Carolina, October 15, 2025
News Summary
A house fire in Lexington County has resulted in one death and one injury. The fire, reported early Tuesday morning, saw firefighters face heavy flames. 66-year-old Donna Jones Hunter has been identified as the deceased. A second person was hospitalized, and two firefighters sustained minor injuries. Investigations into the cause are ongoing.
Lexington County
One person has died and another has been injured following a house fire that broke out early Tuesday morning in Lexington County, South Carolina. The fire was reported around 6 a.m. at a residence on the 100 block of Gillfield Court.
Multiple agencies responded to the scene, including the Lexington County Fire Service, Irmo Fire District, Lexington County EMS, and the Lexington Police Department. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy flames emanating from the back of a two-story home.
During their initial rescue attempts, firefighters were forced to retreat due to extreme heat and perilous fire conditions. The fatality was identified as 66-year-old Donna Jones Hunter, the resident of the home. The coroner’s office responded to the scene to conduct an investigation into Hunter’s death, and an autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday.
A second individual was transported to the Joseph M. Still Burn Center in Augusta, Georgia, for treatment, although their condition is currently unknown. In addition, two firefighters sustained minor injuries during the incident and were taken to Lexington Medical Center. They have since been released and are expected to return to duty shortly. No other injuries were reported at the scene.
The house fire was extinguished, but as of 10 a.m., firefighters and the coroner’s office remained on-site to continue their investigation. The cause and origin of the fire are currently being investigated by multiple entities, including the Lexington County Fire Marshal and the police department. Officials have not indicated whether foul play is suspected.
The extent of damages to the house has not been confirmed, and it remains unclear if the property is considered a total loss. Fortunately, the fire was contained to the single residence and did not affect neighboring properties. However, Beltrees Drive was closed during emergency response efforts.
A neighbor, identified as Jonathen Yanez, reported successfully rescuing one person from the home before firefighters arrived. Witnesses in the area stated that they heard loud bangs prior to the flames becoming visible.
The ongoing investigation will aim to clarify the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident as the community mourns the loss of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in Lexington County?
A house fire occurred early Tuesday morning, resulting in one death and another injury.
Who died in the house fire?
The deceased was identified as 66-year-old Donna Jones Hunter.
What is known about the second individual who was injured?
The second individual was transported to the Joseph M. Still Burn Center for treatment, but their condition is not known.
How did firefighters respond to the incident?
Firefighters arrived to find heavy flames and had to retreat due to extreme heat and fire conditions.
Are authorities investigating the cause of the fire?
Yes, the cause and origin of the fire are under investigation by several entities including the Lexington County Fire Marshal and the police department.
Were there any injuries among firefighters?
Two firefighters sustained minor injuries but have since been released from the hospital.
What is the status of the house involved in the fire?
The extent of damages has not been confirmed, and it is unclear if it is considered a total loss.
Was the fire contained to one house?
Yes, the fire was confined to the single residence and did not damage neighboring properties.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | Early Tuesday Morning |
| Location | 100 block of Gillfield Court, Lexington County, SC |
| Victims | 1 deceased (Donna Jones Hunter), 1 injured |
| Response Agencies | Lexington County Fire Service, Irmo Fire District, Lexington County EMS, Lexington Police Department |
| Firefighter Injuries | 2 minor injuries |
| Investigation Status | Underway by Lexington County Fire Marshal and police department |
| Extent of Damage | Not confirmed, unclear if total loss |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Three Injured in Irmo House Fire; Investigation Ongoing
Avant Holdings Acquires Historic Whit-Ash Furnishings Property
Traffic Shift Planned at Old Wire Road and US 21
Concerns Over Mold Issues at American Leadership Academy
Lexington County Crash Claims Life of Man
The Venue in Columbia Closes Its Doors
Tragic Collision in Lexington Claims Life of 47-Year-Old Woman
17-Year-Old Arrested in Fatal Shooting of Teen in Columbia
One Hospitalized After House Fire in Irmo, South Carolina
Columbia Police Charge Man with Murder of Angela Fuller
Additional Resources
- WLTX: 1 Dead in Early Morning House Fire in Lexington
- WIS TV: Structure Fire in the Midlands
- The State: House Fire in Lexington County
- Island Packet: South Carolina House Fire Report
- WLTX: Coroner Identifies Victim in Gilbert House Fire
- Wikipedia: Fire Safety
- Google Search: House Fire Lexington County 2025
- Google Scholar: House Fire Investigation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fire Fighting
- Google News: Lexington County Fire
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
