West Columbia, SC, September 14, 2025
News Summary
A deadly house fire in West Columbia, South Carolina, claimed the life of Lila Ann Gunter, a 65-year-old resident. Firefighters battled the flames early Saturday morning but sadly found the victim during a search of the home. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire, highlighting ongoing concerns about fire safety in the community.
West Columbia Fire Claims Life of 65-Year-Old Woman
A tragic house fire occurred early Saturday morning in West Columbia, South Carolina, resulting in the death of a 65-year-old woman. Firefighters responded to the emergency call at approximately 3:54 a.m., racing to the scene located in the 1600 block of B Avenue.
Upon arrival, crews encountered heavy flames engulfing the property. Despite the challenging conditions, firefighters were able to bring the fire under control within about 30 minutes. Sadly, during a subsequent search of the home, they discovered one victim, later identified as Lila Ann Gunter, a resident of the area.
The Lexington County Coroner, Margaret Fisher, confirmed the identity of the deceased later that night. An autopsy for Gunter has been scheduled for September 17 at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. This autopsy aims to establish the official cause and manner of death, which will provide greater insight into the tragic event.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire involving multiple agencies, including the West Columbia Fire Department, the Lexington County Fire Service, the state fire marshal, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. This collaborative effort aims to uncover the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate incident, although further details have not yet been released.
This incident highlights the ongoing risks and dangers associated with house fires, which can escalate quickly and have devastating consequences. Fire safety education and preventative measures remain crucial in helping to mitigate such tragedies in communities.
Investigation and Response
Following the fire’s suppression, the investigation team will analyze evidence from the site and conduct interviews with neighbors and witnesses to piece together how the fire started. West Columbia officials have expressed their condolences to Gunter’s family and friends. The community has come together during this difficult time as it mourns the loss of a local resident.
Background Information
House fires can be triggered by various factors, including electrical faults, cooking accidents, or even arson. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the majority of house fires originate in the kitchen, while electrical equipment and heating devices contribute significantly to fire incidents. Community awareness and preparedness can dramatically reduce the risk of such emergencies.
Emergency services encourage residents to have working smoke alarms, create escape plans, and educate themselves on basic fire safety techniques. These steps are essential in ensuring the safety of individuals and families in their homes.
Residents of West Columbia are urged to remain vigilant about fire safety and to report any concerns regarding dangerous conditions in their neighborhoods to local authorities.
FAQ Section
What caused the house fire in West Columbia?
What is the identity of the victim?
When is the autopsy scheduled?
What should residents do to ensure fire safety?
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Time of Incident | 3:54 a.m. on Saturday |
| Location | 1600 block of B Avenue, West Columbia, SC |
| Fire Response | Controlled within approximately 30 minutes |
| Victim | Lila Ann Gunter, 65 |
| Investigation Agencies | West Columbia Fire Department, Lexington County Fire Service, State Fire Marshal, SC Law Enforcement Division |
| Autopsy Date | September 17 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Fatal Collision Claims Life in Lexington
Columbia Initiates Major Renovation of Downtown Parking Decks
Fatal Head-On Collision in Lexington County
Fatal Collision on Old Cherokee Road Claims Life
Columbia, SC Braces for Hot Weekend with Thunderstorm Warnings
Lexington County Tornado Causes Damage Amid Other Tragic Incidents
Loaded Handgun Discovered at Brookland-Cayce High School
Woman Charged with Murder in West Columbia Shooting
Vehicle Fire Disrupts Traffic on I-26 Near St. Matthews
Fatal Shooting in Batesburg-Leesville Shakes Community
Additional Resources
- WLTX: West Columbia House Fire Claims Life of 65-Year-Old Woman
- Cola Daily: Person Found Dead After West Columbia House Fire
- ABC Columbia: 2-Year-Old Victim of House Fire in Pelion Identified by Coroner
- WYFF4: Woman Dead in Columbia, South Carolina
- Wikipedia: Fire Safety
- Google Search: House Fire Safety
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.
