Evelyn Blakeney Obituary, Death – A tragic apartment fire broke out early Wednesday morning in Kings Mountain, claiming the life of one resident and causing significant damage to multiple units. The blaze occurred at the Green Tree Apartments located on Charles Street and has left the community reeling in the aftermath.
According to authorities, the first reports of the fire came in around 4 a.m. when numerous 911 calls were made to local emergency services. Residents awakened by the growing flames quickly alerted police and fire officials to the dangerous situation. Responding promptly, Kings Mountain firefighters arrived on the scene to find an apartment building already engulfed in flames.
Upon arrival, crews discovered heavy fire tearing through one of the residential structures within the complex. Firefighters acted swiftly to bring the blaze under control and prevent it from spreading further. Despite their best efforts, two apartments were completely destroyed by the fire. At least six additional units sustained severe smoke and water damage, rendering them temporarily uninhabitable.
Once the fire was extinguished, emergency personnel began inspecting the charred remains of the structure. During their search, firefighters made a heartbreaking discovery—inside one of the burned apartments, they found the body of a woman later identified as 45-year-old Evelyn Blakeney. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
The circumstances surrounding Blakeney’s death are still being investigated. It is not yet clear whether she was trapped during the fire or if other factors contributed to her death. The Cleveland County Fire Marshal’s Office and the Kings Mountain Police Department have launched a joint investigation to determine what caused the fire and how it escalated so quickly.
Investigators are currently examining the scene, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing any available surveillance footage. While the official cause of the fire has not yet been determined, authorities are working diligently to uncover the events that led to the tragedy.
Meanwhile, residents who were displaced by the fire are grappling with the loss of their homes and belongings. Many were forced to evacuate in the early hours of the morning, some with little more than the clothes on their backs. Emergency crews and local support organizations are providing assistance to those affected, including temporary shelter and essential resources.
Neighbors expressed their shock and sadness over the incident. Several residents recalled waking up to loud noises and the smell of smoke before realizing the severity of the situation. One resident described seeing flames shooting out of the windows as people ran from the building in a panic.
“It’s something you never expect to see, especially in your own community,” one neighbor said. “It’s just heartbreaking to know someone lost their life.”
The Kings Mountain Police Department is urging anyone who may have information about the fire or who witnessed suspicious activity in the area around the time of the incident to come forward. Authorities have provided a tip line and are encouraging members of the public to contact them at 704-734-0444 with any relevant details.
This devastating fire has once again brought attention to the importance of fire safety and preparedness, especially in multi-unit dwellings where fire can spread rapidly. Officials are reminding residents to check their smoke detectors regularly, ensure escape routes are clear, and report any potential fire hazards.
As the investigation continues, the community is mourning the loss of Evelyn Blakeney. Friends and family are remembering her as a kind and quiet person who kept to herself but was always friendly to those she knew. A memorial is expected to be organized in the coming days to honor her memory.
The damage to the Green Tree Apartments is extensive, and it may be some time before affected residents are able to return to their homes. Structural assessments and safety evaluations will need to be conducted before repairs can begin.
Local authorities and emergency management teams are working together to coordinate recovery efforts, offering support to displaced residents and helping them navigate the difficult process of rebuilding after such a traumatic event.
In the wake of this tragedy, the Kings Mountain community is coming together to support one another, offering help, donations, and a sense of solidarity to those most impacted. The loss of life and the destruction of homes serve as a stark reminder of how quickly lives can be changed and how essential community resilience can be in times of crisis.
As investigators work to determine the exact cause of the fire and whether it was accidental or involved any criminal activity, the priority remains supporting those affected and ensuring that all safety procedures are reviewed to help prevent future incidents of this nature.
Anyone with insights into the incident is again encouraged to contact the Kings Mountain Police Department at 704-734-0444. Every piece of information could help bring clarity to what caused this fatal fire and offer some measure of closure to the grieving community.