According to the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office, a fire took the life of a juvenile early this morning.

At approximately 1:20 a.m. today (Sunday, Nov. 21), a fire was reported at a mobile home residence at 1879 Water Chestnut Drive in Kinston. The North Lenoir Volunteer Fire Department, La Grange Volunteer Fire Department and Lenoir County EMS responded to the scene.

When officials arrived, the mobile home was on fire. Lenoir County EMS treated three patients at the scene. Unfortunately, though, there was a juvenile inside the home and the juvenile passed away in the fire.

Lenoir County Sheriff Ronnie Ingram said the damage to the home was substantial.

“The firefighters with North Lenoir and La Grange worked quickly to rescue the victims and extinguish the blaze,” he said. “I know they did everything they could to prevent this sad loss of life. My hat is off to them for their professional dedication to volunteer for their community.”

Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office and Lenoir County Emergency Services were notified and an investigation is underway, with assistance from the State Bureau of Investigation and the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

“Our hearts go out to this family which lost a young person in this tragedy this morning,” Ingram said. “We ask that our community pray for this family in its time of need.”