Investigators released the name of the teenage boy, who died in a house fire over the weekend, and what appears to have started the fire.
Guthrie Fire Chief Eric Harlow says Terick Robert Jackson, 15, was pronounced dead inside his home located at 716 E. Springer. His body was turned over to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner where an autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of death.
Related story: Early morning house fire claims a Guthrie life
At 12:39 Saturday morning, fire crews were met by a female resident and 10 year old boy, along with Guthrie Police Officers in the front yard. They were advised that a 15 year old boy was still in the home in his bedroom. Guthrie police officers attempted to make entry into the home but were quickly driven back outside by the intense smoke and heat. Fire crews were met with heavy fire and smoke conditions in the stairway leading to the second floor. They were able to advance to the top of the stairway where the intense heat drove them back down the stairs.
Firefighters gain access to a bedroom from an outside window where they found Jackson.
An investigation into the fire’s cause revealed that the it started in the kitchen of the home on the first floor. The exact cause is still undetermined but does appear to be electrical in nature. The fire was investigated by Chief Harlow who was assisted by GFD Captain Jason Starns and State Fire Marshal Agent Anthony Reed.
Due to heavy fire and structural damage to a portion of the home, it has been declared uninhabitable with losses exceeding $50,000.00.
There were no working smoke detectors found in the home by investigators. Chief Harlow wants to remind all citizens that having and maintaining a working smoke detector truly can save lives.
“Smoke detectors are very economical and having these safety devices in your home is a small price to pay for your safety,” Harlow stated.
Prayers of peace are coming for the family to enable them to somehow deal with such a significant loss.