A Hartwell man died in a mobile home fire that occurred around 6 p.m. Sunday night, according to a press release from the Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire.
John David Yates, age 58, was found dead by local firefighters inside of the enflamed mobile home on 64 Marshal Dove Road. The mobile home was approximately 40-years-old, according to the press release.
“This fire is still under investigation, but there is reason to believe that poorly-positioned space heaters could have caused the deadly fire,” said Commissioner John King. “Unfortunately, our office sees an increase in fires due to space heaters as we head into colder weather. It is crucial for Georgians to follow safety tips such as keeping their space heater away from combustible materials.”
The office is continuing to work with local authorities from the Hart County Fire Department, Hart County Sheriff's Office and Hart County Coroner's Office on the case. Yates's body was sent to the GBI Crime Lab for an autopsy.
