Last Updated on April 21, 2026 9:05 am
Two people were found dead inside a Vilas home following a large structure fire early Wednesday morning, April 15, and investigators say there is no evidence of foul play.
The Watauga Communications Center received a call reporting an explosion and large fire at approximately 1:43 a.m. at 625 Burl Brown Road in Vilas. Multiple agencies responded, including Cove Creek, Forest Services, Foscoe, Zionville, and Boone fire departments, Watauga County EMS, Watauga County Rescue Squad, the Watauga County Fire Marshal, and Watauga County Sheriff's Office patrol. The Fire Marshal's Office also requested an on-call Sheriff's Office investigator.
First responders arrived to find a large working fire that had spread from the residence to a nearby barn and large shed. Two vehicles were located in the driveway. Due to the intensity of the fire, a primary search of the residence could not be conducted until approximately 4:00 a.m.
Once crews suppressed the fire enough to advance inside, they located two deceased individuals in the interior of the home. They were identified as Bruce Alan Harris, 77, and Sandra Smith Harris, 75. Both appeared to have been overcome by smoke and fire conditions.
Sheriff's Office investigators and patrol worked to locate and notify next of kin.
The Watauga County Fire Marshal's Office continues to investigate the cause and origin of the fire. The investigation has not revealed any evidence of foul play.
The Watauga County Sheriff's Office and Fire Marshal's Office thanked all fire departments, rescue squad, EMS, volunteers, and neighbors for their response and support.
