A Hephzibah house fire has claimed the life of a 38-year-old man, authorities said.
The fire engulfed a single-story home in the 2000 block of Bassford Drive, where firefighters responded about 1:01 a.m. Friday. They were met with heavy flames and thick smoke pouring from the residence.
Augusta’s fire crews initiated a swift attack on the blaze while simultaneously conducting search operations within the structure. Despite their efforts, they sadly discovered 38-year-old Christopher Brand unresponsive inside. The coroner’s office later confirmed his time of death as 2:55 a.m., just hours after the fire was reported.
As firefighters brought the flames under control, the cause of the fire remained unclear, prompting an ongoing investigation to determine the circumstances.
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, which had caused power outages in the area, authorities took the opportunity to remind residents about fire safety. They urged the community to refrain from leaving lit candles unattended, especially while sleeping, and to opt for flashlights or battery-powered lanterns instead.
“Stay safe, Augusta!” the message concluded, highlighting the importance of vigilance during such precarious times.
Note: If you have a better photo or memory to share of Christopher, please text it to us at 803-487-3224.
