Cordele Woman Killed in Accidental Fire

ATLANTA – On May 24, Arson Investigators with the Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King were called to a residential fire fatality on Highway 280 in Crisp County. The fire occurred at approximately 6:03 a.m., and the home was fully engulfed in flames when units arrived. The single-story wood structure was occupied by Willis White, 65, Sherry Duncan, 56, and Lamar Forehand, 57.

“The two male occupants escaped the fire, but tragically Ms. Duncan was trapped inside due to the location of the fire blocking any exit path,” said Commissioner King. “The scene examination revealed that the origin of the fire was on the front porch near the door. There is currently no evidence of criminal activity, and the fire appears accidental in nature.”

This marks the 63rd death from a Georgia fire in 2021. Our Fire Investigations Unit is assisting the Crisp County Fire Department and Sheriff’s Office with this investigation.

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The mission of the Office of the Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner is to protect Georgia families by providing access to vital insurance products and safe buildings through fair regulation that creates economic opportunities for all Georgians.