Lexington, South Carolina, October 15, 2025
News Summary
A devastating house fire on Gillfield Court in Lexington led to the death of 66-year-old Donna Jones Hunter, with another individual hospitalized. Firefighters faced extreme conditions while attempting rescues, and two firefighters suffered minor injuries. The cause of the fire is under investigation, leaving the community in shock. Support for affected families is being provided as inquiries continue.
Lexington, South Carolina – A tragic house fire on Gillfield Court has claimed the life of one woman and left another person hospitalized. The fire was reported early Tuesday morning, around 6 a.m. on October 14, 2025. Local authorities, including the Lexington County Fire Services, Irmo Fire District, Lexington County EMS, and the Lexington Police Department, are currently investigating the incident.
Upon arrival, firefighters found a two-story home fully engulfed in flames. Given the extreme heat of the blaze, initial rescue attempts were thwarted, prompting firefighters to retreat. A neighbor’s son, identified as Jonathen Yanez, courageously managed to pull one individual from the structure before the fire escalated. This trapped person disclosed to Yanez that his wife and two dogs remained inside the home.
The victim has been identified as 66-year-old Donna Jones Hunter, who was confirmed deceased at the scene by the Lexington County Coroner, Margaret Fisher. In addition, a second individual was transported to a burn center in Augusta; details regarding their condition have not been disclosed. Two firefighters sustained minor injuries during their response but have since been treated at a local hospital and are expected to return to duty.
Witnesses reported seeing the fire from a distance, with some neighbors attempting to provide assistance to those affected. Investigators noted that three dogs were reported to be inside the home, but their current status remains unknown. The cause of the fire is active subject of investigation. An autopsy for the victim is scheduled for October 15, 2025.
This event has left the community in shock and grief, as they reflect on the loss and offer support to the affected family members.
Background Context
House fires can have devastating effects on families and communities, and the implications can extend far beyond the immediate loss of life and property. In South Carolina, fire safety remains a significant concern, with various agencies working together to respond to emergencies promptly. This incident highlights the importance of community vigilance and preparedness in the face of such tragedies.
FAQ Section
What happened in Lexington on October 14, 2025?
A tragic house fire on Gillfield Court resulted in the death of a woman and sent another person to the hospital.
What time was the fire reported?
The fire was reported around 6 a.m. on Tuesday, October 14, 2025.
Which agencies responded to the fire?
Responding agencies included Lexington County Fire Services, Irmo Fire District, Lexington County EMS, and the Lexington Police Department.
Who was the victim of the fire?
The victim has been identified as 66-year-old Donna Jones Hunter, who was confirmed dead at the scene by the Lexington County Coroner, Margaret Fisher.
What is the condition of the second person transported to the hospital?
The condition of the second person who was transported to a burn center in Augusta remains undisclosed.
What will happen next regarding the investigation?
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, and an autopsy for the victim is scheduled for October 15, 2025.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Gillfield Court, Lexington County |
| Time of Incident | October 14, 2025, at 6 a.m. |
| Victim | Donna Jones Hunter, 66 years old |
| Injuries | One person hospitalized; two firefighters with minor injuries |
| Additional Concerns | Three dogs reported missing; cause of fire under investigation |
| Next Steps | Autopsy scheduled; ongoing investigation |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- WLTX: 1 Dead in Early Morning House Fire in Lexington
- WISTV: Structure Fire in Midlands
- WACH: House Fire in Lexington Leaves One Dead, One Severely Injured
- ABC Columbia: Early Morning Structure Fire Closes Beltrees Drive
- Cola Daily: One Found Dead, Two Firefighters Injured in Lexington House Fire
- Wikipedia: Fire Safety
- Google Search: House Fire Lexington South Carolina
- Google Scholar: House Fire Investigation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fire Accident
- Google News: House Fire Lexington
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.
