A structure fire in the Dibrell community Saturday afternoon proved fatal for a local man.

North Warren Volunteer Fire Department, as well as the Campaign-Rock Island Fire Department, the Centertown Fire Department, Warren County Sheriff’s Office and Warren County EMS responded around midday Saturday for a fire at 1232 Roy Foster Rd. Despite stormy conditions and treacherous roads, NWFD Chief Ramie Roberts reported individual firefighters arrived within nine minutes and an engine was on scene within 12 minutes.

Upon arrival, firefighters found the house, owned by Percy and Nancy Pinegar, partially engulfed by flames and received reports victims – including an 89-year-old bedridden male later identified as Mr. Pinegar – were still inside the home. Roberts stated Mrs. Pinegar received several burns while trying to remove her husband from the fire. She is currently at Vanderbilt Hospital recovering from her injuries.

Mrs. Pinegar, as well as the couple’s grandson and great-grandson, were both able to escape the blaze, and two firefighters were able to remove Mr. Pinegar from the structure. Despite attempts to perform life-saving measures, Mr. Pinegar passed away at the scene.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, although Roberts stated it appeared to be accidental in nature. The home was apparently not insured. One of the firefighters who was able to remove Mr. Pinegar was taken to Ascension St. Thomas River Park Hospital for observation, but has recovered.