WREG.com

Fatal house fire reported in Covington

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Hearts are broken across Tipton County after an early morning fire left one person dead and a community in mourning.

Like the smell of lingering smoke in the air, a cloud of grief has hangs over a Covington neighborhood.

“It’s just devastating around this time,” a neighbor told us.

Early Saturday morning, a fire broke out at home along Highway 59 West in Covington, TN.

Prior to any first responders arriving, neighbors told WREG that one of them called the fire in, while another neighbor rushed into the home trying to save a person trapped. Despite their efforts, it was unsuccessful.

By the time emergency personnel got the fire out, one person was declared dead. It’s an outcome forever etched in hearts and minds of neighbors.

“It really hits home, like, we were praying for them and crying. I just wish there was something we could do,” a neighbor told us.

Fire officials have yet to determine the cause of the fire. As the investigation continues, this community is hoping to rally around one of their own.

“I don’t know them very well, but I just wish I could help them. Christmas is coming up. I’m pretty sure they have grandchildren too so I can only imagine the pain they’re all going through,” one neighbor told us.

The American Red Cross has reportedly been alerted about the fire and are expected to offer assistance to the family. 

At this time, officials have not released the Identity of the person who died.