Investigators believe Catawba County deadly fire was accidental

CATAWBA COUNTY, N.C. — Investigators in Catawba County were working to determine what caused a deadly house fire Saturday morning near Maiden.

Deputies said a man died inside the home along Business 321, just north of Maiden.

Investigators don't expect to find foul play was involved and believe the fire was an accident, but they don't know how it started.

When firefighters arrived at the home around 6:30 p.m., flames were shooting out of several windows.

Neighbors told Channel 9 reporter Dave Faherty that they’re praying for the family of the man who died in the fire.

"It was already flaming up above the trees when I looked out,” Faye Hedrick said. “That one side was flaming really big so I hollered for my husband and told him the house was on fire."

The fire marshal said the SBI has been called in to assist with the investigation.

The victim’s name has not yet been released.

Cox Media Group