Burke County Officials Identify Second Victim in Deadly Morganton House Fire
MORGANTON, N.C. – The Burke County Sheriff’s Office has identified the second victim in a fatal house fire on Swink Street as 76-year-old Joseph Kincaid Byrd, Jr., of Morganton. The tragic blaze, which broke out earlier this week, has left the community grieving and authorities working to determine the cause.
According to officials, the fire erupted late Sunday night at a single-family home on the 200 block of Swink Street. Neighbors reported seeing heavy smoke and flames coming from the residence and called 911 just after 11:30 p.m. Multiple fire crews responded to the scene, battling the blaze for over an hour before bringing it under control.
Once the flames were extinguished, investigators discovered two victims inside the home. The first victim was identified earlier in the week, while Byrd was confirmed as the second on Wednesday following assistance from the Burke County Medical Examiner’s Office. Both individuals were pronounced dead at the scene.
Sheriff Steve Whisenant expressed condolences to the families affected, calling the incident a heartbreaking loss for Morganton. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones of Mr. Byrd and the other victim,” Whisenant said. “We remain committed to working with fire investigators to determine what caused this devastating tragedy.”
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the Burke County Fire Marshal’s Office are assisting in the case. Officials say that while the investigation is ongoing, there is currently no indication of foul play. Preliminary findings suggest the fire may have originated in the living room area, but lab results and a full report are still pending.
Community members who knew Byrd described him as a kind and generous neighbor who had lived in Morganton for decades. “He was always quick with a wave and a smile,” said one longtime resident of Swink Street. “It’s hard to imagine our street without him.”
The fire has also prompted renewed discussion about fire safety, particularly for older residents. Local fire officials urged families to check smoke detectors, create escape plans, and ensure heating equipment and electrical systems are maintained properly.
Funeral arrangements for Joseph Kincaid Byrd, Jr. are expected to be announced by his family in the coming days.
Authorities are continuing to piece together the sequence of events that led to the deadly blaze. Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to contact the Burke County Sheriff’s Office.
This tragedy marks one of the most severe house fires in Morganton in recent years, underscoring both the fragility of life and the importance of community support in the aftermath of loss.
