Lexington County, October 17, 2025
News Summary
A significant house fire occurred in Lexington County, resulting in the tragic death of a 66-year-old woman identified as Donna Jones Hunter. The fire broke out early in the morning, leading to her untimely demise due to smoke inhalation. Her husband was rescued by a neighbor but remains in critical condition. Firefighters faced challenges battling the flames, and the cause of the fire is under investigation by local authorities.
Lexington
A devastating house fire in Lexington County resulted in the fatality of 66-year-old Donna Jones Hunter on October 14, 2025. The incident occurred at approximately 6:00 AM in the 100 block of Gillfield Court, where emergency responders found heavy flames engulfing the two-story home.
Hunter was pronounced dead at the scene, with an autopsy conducted on October 15 determining that the cause of death was smoke inhalation. Another occupant, presumed to be Hunter’s husband, was rescued by a neighbor and subsequently transported to the Augusta Burn Center, where he remains in critical condition.
During the response to the fire, two firefighters suffered minor injuries while battling the flames but were treated and released from a local hospital. Multiple agencies, including the Lexington County Fire Service and the Irmo Fire District, responded to the emergency call.
Witnesses reported seeing the blaze and attempted to assist prior to the arrival of fire crews. Local resident Jonathan Yanaz recalled rushing to the scene and managing to save Hunter’s husband, though tragically, he was unable to rescue Hunter herself.
Neighbors described seeing thick smoke billowing from the house, visible from miles away, emphasizing the severity of the fire as it rapidly spread. Currently, the cause of the fire is under investigation by several agencies, including the Town of Lexington Police Department and the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Details of the Incident
- Date of fire: October 14, 2025
- Location: 100 block of Gillfield Court, Lexington County
- Casualties: One fatality (Donna Jones Hunter), one critically injured (her husband)
- Injured Firefighters: Two firefighters treated for minor injuries
Emergency Response
Firefighters were called to the scene shortly after 6:00 AM. The quick thinking of neighbors, notably Yanaz, played a crucial role in rescuing Hunter’s husband. Fire units from multiple agencies coordinated to battle the flames and mitigate the situation.
Investigation Ongoing
The investigation into the fire’s cause remains a priority for local authorities and state officials as they examine all aspects of the incident. The community is left mourning the loss while hoping for a swift recovery for the injured husband.
Historical Context
House fires are a tragic occurrence in many communities, often leading to loss of life and property. In this incident, the swift response by neighbors and firefighters highlights the critical nature of community vigilance and support in emergencies. The aftermath of such tragic events typically leads to increased awareness and safety discussions within affected neighborhoods.
FAQ
What happened in Lexington on October 14, 2025?
A house fire occurred on October 14, 2025, at approximately 6:00 AM in the 100 block of Gillfield Court, Lexington County.
Who died in the fire?
The fire claimed the life of 66-year-old Donna Jones Hunter of Lexington, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
What caused Donna Jones Hunter’s death?
An autopsy was conducted on October 15, 2025, which determined the cause of death to be smoke inhalation.
Was anyone else injured in the fire?
Another occupant, believed to be Hunter’s husband, was rescued by a neighbor and transported to the Augusta Burn Center for treatment; he is in critical condition.
Were there any injuries among firefighters?
Two firefighters sustained minor injuries while battling the fire and were later treated and released from a local hospital.
How did neighbors react to the fire?
Neighbors reported heavy flames coming from the back of the two-story home upon the arrival of emergency services.
What actions did a local resident take during the incident?
Witness Jonathan Yanaz recounted seeing the fire and running to help; he was able to save Hunter’s husband but could not rescue Hunter.
What is being done to determine the cause of the fire?
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by multiple agencies including the Town of Lexington Police Department and the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Key Features of the Fire Incident
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Date and Time | October 14, 2025, at approximately 6:00 AM |
| Location | 100 block of Gillfield Court, Lexington County |
| Fatalities | One (Donna Jones Hunter) |
| Critical Injuries | One (Hunter’s husband) |
| Injured Firefighters | Two firefighters treated for minor injuries |
| Response Units | Lexington County Fire Service and Irmo Fire District |
| Investigation Authorities | Lexington Police Department and State Fire Marshal’s Office |
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Additional Resources
- Cola Daily: Coroner Identifies Victim of Gillfield Court House Fire
- WIS TV: Structure Fire in Midlands
- WLTX: Deadly Lexington House Fire
- WACH: House Fire Leaves One Dead in Lexington
- WLTX Video: Lexington Woman Identified after Fatal House Fire
- Wikipedia: House Fire
- Google Search: House Fire Prevention
- Google Scholar: Fire Safety
- Encyclopedia Britannica: House Fire
- Google News: Lexington House 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.
