Kill Devil Hills Community Mourning After Devastating Fire

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News Summary

Kill Devil Hills is reeling from a tragic house fire on August 11 that claimed three lives, including a couple and a 13-year-old girl. Many others are injured, and the fire has left both a family and a community in grief. While investigations continue, local officials stress the importance of smoke alarms and emergency preparedness as the town unites to support each other during this difficult time.

Kill Devil Hills: A Community in Mourning After Tragic House Fire

Kill Devil Hills, a beautiful beach town nestled along the Outer Banks of North Carolina, is currently gripped by heartbreak following a devastating house fire that occurred on August 11. This tragic incident at a four-bedroom home located at 1825 North Virginia Dare Trail has taken the lives of three individuals and left several others injured.

The Victims

The fire claimed the lives of a loving married couple, Colleen Cohan, 64, and William Deeg, 68, both hailing from Ashton, Maryland. The loss is felt even deeper with the passing of just 13-year-old Sienna Farr, from Silver Spring, Maryland. Sienna was the beloved daughter of Laura Volk, 48, who, along with her boyfriend, David Brewer, 55, and another daughter, Sadie Farr, 16, were injured in the fire.

While Laura was released from the hospital shortly after the tragedy, David remains hospitalized. Their family is now faced with an unimaginable loss as they work towards healing from this heart-wrenching event.

Fire Incident Details

The fire not only affected the occupants of this household but also left its mark on the surrounding community. Two neighboring homes received damage from the flames, demonstrating how quickly such an unfortunate incident can spiral out of control. The Kill Devil Hills Fire Department (KDHFD) is diligently working to piece together the details of what caused this horrible fire, which remains under investigation.

Smoke Alarms and Safety Precautions

One critical piece of information that has emerged during this tragic situation is that the home was equipped with working smoke alarms. This message stands out as a reminder of the importance of having functional smoke detectors in every home. The KDHFD emphasizes the need for not just smoke alarms, but also the significance of being familiar with emergency exits to ensure everyone’s safety during such emergencies.

A Community Comes Together

The town of Kill Devil Hills is extending heartfelt condolences to the families affected by this nightmare. Community support and empathy are vital in offering comfort during times like these. People are reaching out, sharing stories, and coming together to lift each other up in a show of solidarity.

Previous Incident and Ongoing Investigations

It’s worth noting that this isn’t the first fire incident in Kill Devil Hills this summer. Back on June 1, another fire ignited in the 300 block of West Arch Street, leading to the injury of a firefighter. That fire reportedly started on a front deck and made its way inside, causing considerable damage. Fortunately, all occupants in that incident managed to evacuate safely, but the injured firefighter had to be transported to Outer Banks Hospital. Thankfully, their condition has since been reported as stable.

The cause of this separate June fire is also under investigation, adding an air of uncertainty to the community’s safety as they navigate through these trying times.

Looking Ahead

As the investigation continues and the community grieves, residents are reminded of the importance of safety measures. Keeping smoke alarms in working order and knowing escape routes could make a difference in critical moments. Kill Devil Hills remains a close-knit community dedicated to each other, proving that even in the face of tragedy, togetherness can foster healing.

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Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER

The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare 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 the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.