Lexington, S.C., October 15, 2025
News Summary
A house fire on Gillfield Court in Lexington resulted in the tragic death of 66-year-old Donna Jones Hunter and left another resident injured. Firefighters faced intense conditions while battling the flames, leading to two minor injuries among them. Local resident Jonathen Yanez successfully rescued one individual from the blaze. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and agencies emphasize the importance of fire safety in residential areas.
Lexington, S.C. – A house fire early Tuesday morning claimed the life of a 66-year-old woman and injured another resident on Gillfield Court. The incident occurred in the 100 block of Gillfield Court, where fire crews arrived on the scene around 6 a.m. to find heavy flames coming from the back of a two-story home.
Lexington County Coroner Margaret Fisher confirmed that the deceased is Donna Jones Hunter. A second resident was transported to a burn center in Augusta for treatment, although no further information on the person’s condition has been provided as of now.
During the fire incident, two firefighters sustained minor injuries while battling the flames. They were taken to Lexington Medical Center and have since been released. Firefighters attempted multiple rescue operations but were forced to retreat due to the intense heat and dangerous fire conditions.
Local resident Jonathen Yanez played a critical role in the rescue, managing to pull one individual out of the home before the fire spread extensively. Witnesses reported that the flames and smoke from the blaze were visible from miles away, with some residents trying to assist those trapped inside the burning structure.
It has been reported that three dogs were inside the home at the time of the fire, but their current status remains unknown. An autopsy for the victim, Donna Jones Hunter, has been scheduled for the following day.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation. The Lexington County Fire Service, in collaboration with partner agencies including the Irmo Fire District, Lexington County EMS, and the Town of Lexington Police Department, is working to determine what led to this tragic incident.
This fire adds to the growing concerns about fire safety measures in residential homes, particularly in areas that may be challenged by response times or available resources. Fire agencies are urging residents to take precautions and ensure they have working smoke detectors in their homes.
Summary of the Incident
- Location: 100 block of Gillfield Court, Lexington, S.C.
- Date: Early Tuesday morning
- Fatality: 66-year-old Donna Jones Hunter
- Injuries: One resident transported to burn center; two firefighters sustained minor injuries
- Fire Response: Crews arrived around 6 a.m.; multiple rescues attempted
- Investigation: Ongoing by Lexington County Fire Service and partner agencies
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Type | House Fire |
| Impact | 1 Fatality, 1 Injury |
| Time of Incident | Early Tuesday Morning |
| Location | Gillfield Court in Lexington, S.C. |
| Agencies Involved | Lexington County Fire Service, Irmo Fire District, Lexington County EMS, Lexington Police |
FAQ
What happened in Lexington, S.C. on Gillfield Court?
A house fire occurred early Tuesday morning, leading to one fatality and another injury.
Who died in the fire?
The deceased has been identified as 66-year-old Donna Jones Hunter.
What happened to the second resident?
The second resident was transported to a burn center in Augusta, but no further information on their condition has been provided.
Were there any injuries among the firefighters?
Yes, two firefighters sustained minor injuries and were taken to Lexington Medical Center, where they have since been released.
What is the status of the dogs that were inside the house?
Three dogs were reported to be inside the home at the time of the fire, but their status remains unknown.
Is the cause of the fire known?
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Lexington County Fire Service and partner agencies.
When is the autopsy for the victim scheduled?
An autopsy for Donna Jones Hunter has been scheduled for the following day.
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Additional Resources
- WLTX: 1 Dead in Early Morning House Fire in Lexington
- LEX18: 4 Displaced Following Lexington House Fire
- Cola Daily: One Found Dead, Two Firefighters Injured in Lexington House Fire
- Island Packet: Fire Incident in South Carolina
- WISTV: Structure Fire in Midlands
- Wikipedia: Fire Safety
- Google Search: House Fire Safety
- Google Scholar: Fire Safety Measures
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fire Safety
- Google News: Fire Incidents
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.
