A tragic house fire early Saturday morning claimed the life of Paul Christopher Wooten, 64, of Upshur County, and left two other residents injured after the blaze engulfed their home in the rural Pritchett area.
Shortly after 5:00 a.m., firefighters from multiple local departments were dispatched to a residence on Hawthorne Road, where neighbors had reported smoke and flames visible from the structure.
Upon arrival, crews found the single‑family home fully involved in fire, with flames erupting through the roof and windows.
Despite the swift response from five volunteer fire departments including East Mountain VFD, Gilmer Fire, Pleasant Grove, Pritchett VFD, and West Mountain VFD the intensity of the blaze made interior operations extremely hazardous. Firefighters focused on containing the fire and searching for occupants who may still be inside.
According to the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office, Wooten was found deceased inside the structure after crews made a coordinated search of the home once conditions allowed. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Two other individuals who were inside the home at the time of the fire managed to escape by jumping from windows to avoid the spreading blaze. Emergency services treated them for cuts and non‑life‑threatening injuries before transporting them to a nearby hospital for further care.
While officials have not yet released details about the relationship between Wooten and the injured individuals, the incident has devastated neighbors and community members in the mostly rural area of Upshur County.
Initial investigation by county fire investigators and the sheriff’s office suggests that the fire may have started due to a space heater inside the home, though the exact cause remains under review.
Investigators emphasized that the space heater theory is preliminary and that further analysis will be needed to confirm whether the appliance or another factor was responsible for the ignition of the fire.
The American Red Cross has been reported to be assisting the family with immediate needs in the aftermath of the tragedy, including temporary housing, food, and clothing as they navigate the difficult process of recovery following the loss of their home and loved one.
Fire officials reminded residents that house fires, particularly during cold weather months when heating devices are used more frequently, can escalate rapidly and that working smoke detectors and safe usage of heaters are critical for reducing risk.
As of now, the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate and work with fire investigators to determine the definitive cause of the blaze. A full report is expected once all evidence has been processed and reviewed.
