A woman was killed in an apartment fire in Hartwell on Sunday morning, according to state fire investigators.
The victim was identified as Sharon Montgomery, 62.
"Ms. Montgomery lived in Apartment 304 of a Hartwell Housing Authority property,” said Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner King in a press statement. “Our investigators were contacted by the City of Hartwell Fire Department and determined that this fire was accidental. We believe the fire started in the living room and dining room area of the apartment.”
At this point, investigators do not know the specific cause of the fire even though they were able to determine the area of origin.
The fatal fire was reported around 10 a.m. Nov. 15, according to King. The apartment building is located on West Franklin Place in Hartwell.
Montgomery’s body has been sent to the GBI Crime Lab for an autopsy.
The State Fire Investigations Unit is working with the City of Hartwell Fire Department and the City of Hartwell Police Department on this case. Georgia has recorded 74 fire fatalities this year.
