Oglethorpe County Man Passes Away During Accidental Fire

ATLANTA – Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King announced today that William “Bill” Winkle, 70, passed away during an accidental fire at 357 South Main St. in Maxeys, Georgia, on the morning of January 16.

The two-story, 3,210-square-foot structure was built in 1920 and housed the Maxeys Country Store, along with an apartment that was added in 2005. The business was for sale at the time of the fire, which appears to have been caused by lit candles near the front of the building.

“Mr. Winkle was trying to extinguish the fire with a portable fire extinguisher when he collapsed and later passed away on the scene,” said Commissioner King. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this tragic time.”

Commissioner King’s State Fire Investigations Unit was called in to assist the Oglethorpe County Sheriff’s Office with this investigation.

###

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.