Lexington, October 15, 2025

News Summary

A deadly house fire erupted in Lexington, resulting in the tragic death of a 66-year-old resident, Donna Jones Hunter. The fire broke out early in the morning, leading to several injuries among firefighters and residents. While emergency responders acted quickly, they were unable to save the victim. The cause of the blaze is currently under investigation, with an autopsy scheduled for the victim. The incident has highlighted community spirit as neighbors rushed to help before emergency services arrived.

Lexington

A fatal house fire occurred in the Town of Lexington on October 14, 2025, claiming the life of one resident and injuring several others. The fire broke out at approximately 6 a.m. in a single-family home located on Gillfield Court in the Willowbrook neighborhood. Officials reported that 66-year-old Donna Jones Hunter died in the fire, while another occupant was transported to the Augusta Burn Center for treatment.

In addition to the loss of life, two firefighters sustained minor injuries while battling the blaze. They were taken to a local hospital for evaluation but have since been treated and released. Firefighters from both Lexington and Irmo responded to the emergency call, arriving on the scene to find the house intensely engulfed in flames.

Local residents reported seeing smoke from the fire from miles away. Some neighbors attempted to assist before emergency services arrived, successfully rescuing one individual who was in critical condition. The area around Beltrees Drive was closed to allow first responders to operate safely at the scene.

The Lexington County Coroner’s Office has announced that an autopsy for Donna Hunter is scheduled for October 15. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, and officials state that updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Emergency Response

Firefighters from multiple departments coordinated efforts in response to the devastating fire. Upon arrival, the situation presented significant challenges due to the intense flames and smoke that had already engulfed the residence. Prompt action by emergency responders and local residents contributed to the rescue efforts, although tragically, it was not enough to save Hunter.

Investigation and Future Updates

As the investigation continues, authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the fire. They have urged the community to be cautious in the wake of this tragedy and to await further updates. The Lexington County Coroner’s Office is conducting an autopsy as part of their protocol in cases of fatalities related to fire incidents.

Community Involvement

The quick response from neighbors highlights the strong community spirit in Lexington. Many residents reflected on the harrowing experience of witnessing intense flames and thick smoke, prompting immediate action and concern for those inside the home. Community members are already rallying together in support of one another during this difficult time.

Conclusion

This tragic event serves as a reminder of the dangers of house fires and the importance of fire safety. The community of Lexington is mourning the loss of Donna Hunter while coming together to support those affected by this unfortunate incident.

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Additional Resources

• WISTV: Structure Fire in Midlands
• Wikipedia: House Fire
• LEX18: Displaced Residents Following Lexington House Fire
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Fire
• ColaDaily: Victim Identified in Lexington House Fire
• Google Search: House Fire Safety
• WACH: House Fire in Lexington Details
• Google News: Lexington House Fire
• The State: House Fire Incident Report
• Google Scholar: Fire Safety Measures

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.