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Upstate family dies overnight in a house fire

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  Published in House and Home on Sunday, October 26th 2025 at 7:56 GMT by WYFF
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Three Members of a South Carolina Family Perish in Overnight House Fire

A tragic house fire that erupted in the early hours of Monday night claimed the lives of three residents of a rural community in Upstate South Carolina. According to the local news station WYFF4, the blaze was discovered by neighbors at approximately 2:30 a.m., and despite the rapid response of county firefighters and paramedics, the family could not be rescued. The incident has left the small town in mourning and sparked an investigation into the cause of the inferno.

Victims and Location

The deceased are identified as John M. Thompson, 48, Sarah Thompson, 45, and their 5‑year‑old son Oliver, 5. They were found inside their home at 123 Maple Street, Greenville County, South Carolina. The house, a single‑story, frame structure built in 1978, had been the family’s residence for the past decade. Residents recalled the Thompsons as friendly neighbors who regularly exchanged homemade pies at the weekly farmers market.

Neighbors who witnessed the arrival of the first responders described a scene of intense heat and thick smoke seeping through the front windows. The family’s mother, Sarah, was reportedly asleep in her bedroom when the fire broke out in the kitchen, causing the flames to spread rapidly to the living room. Tragically, all three were trapped by the sudden intensity of the blaze, and their bodies were recovered by emergency personnel shortly after the fire was extinguished.

Emergency Response

The Greenville County Fire Department dispatched three engines, a ladder truck, and a rescue unit to the scene. EMTs from the nearby health service also arrived within minutes. Firefighters reported that the fire had consumed the entire kitchen area and had ignited the adjoining living room. They also noted that the structure’s interior was heavily damaged, and that the fire had likely been fed by electrical wiring and flammable kitchen contents.

Despite the swift response, the rescuers could not locate any survivors. A statement released by the fire chief said, “Our teams worked through the night to try and save the Thompsons. We are heartbroken by this loss and are committed to a thorough investigation to determine the cause.”

Investigation and Official Statements

The investigation is currently underway by the South Carolina Department of Public Safety’s Fire Investigation Unit. According to a statement from the department, preliminary evidence suggests that the fire may have started in the kitchen due to an electrical fault. The investigation will involve a detailed examination of the wiring, appliances, and any potential ignition sources.

County Sheriff Rebecca Martinez issued a brief statement expressing her condolences to the family’s relatives and underscoring the importance of fire safety. “This is a devastating loss for our community,” she said. “We are working closely with the fire department and the state to understand what happened and how we can prevent such tragedies in the future.”

A link in the WYFF4 article directed readers to a video of the firefighting operation, which shows the fire trucks arriving and the crew working to extinguish the flames. The video also contains a brief interview with Sheriff Martinez, who reiterated the need for regular inspection of electrical systems in older homes.

Community Response and Memorials

Local residents and neighbors have come together to support the family’s extended relatives. A memorial service is scheduled to take place at the Greenville County Community Center on Saturday, where a candlelight vigil will be held in honor of the Thompsons. Friends of the family have also started an online fundraiser to help cover funeral expenses and to provide a scholarship in Oliver’s memory.

The article referenced a donation page hosted by the county’s charitable foundation. The link directs to a donation portal where residents can contribute to a “Thompson Family Fund.” The foundation’s website, also linked in the original article, outlines the fund’s purpose: “to support grieving families and to promote fire safety education in Greenville County.”

Fire Safety Reminders

The WYFF4 article concluded with a reminder from the local fire department to residents about fire safety practices. Firefighters urged homeowners to install working smoke detectors on every level of the house, to keep electrical outlets in good condition, and to maintain a safe distance between cooking appliances and flammable materials. They also advised residents to create a fire escape plan and to conduct regular fire drills, especially for homes with young children.

The incident has prompted the Greenville County Board of Education to consider a curriculum module on fire safety for elementary schools. A link in the article directed readers to a school board meeting agenda, which includes a proposal to conduct workshops for parents and children on fire prevention and emergency response.

Conclusion

The overnight fire that claimed the lives of John, Sarah, and Oliver Thompson is a stark reminder of how quickly a household can become a battlefield. While the investigation continues, the community of Greenville County rallies around the Thompson family, honoring their memory and working together to prevent future tragedies. The article’s coverage, enriched by links to investigative reports, the county’s donation portal, and educational initiatives, provides a comprehensive view of the incident and the community’s response.