An early morning structure fire in Chattooga County’s Ridgeway community has tragically resulted in at least one confirmed fatality. Chattooga County Coroner Jeremy McElhaney was on the scene this morning to confirm the death.

According to Coroner McElhaney, was called to the site of the fatal blaze and alerted local news media at 5:23 AM today, Sunday, October 5, 2025. While details surrounding the incident remain scarce, McElhaney confirmed the presence of at least one deceased individual associated with the fire.

The exact location within the Ridgeway community, the nature of the structure, and the circumstances leading to the fire have not yet been disclosed by officials. The identity of the victim(s) is also being withheld pending notification of next of kin and further investigation.

Emergency crews and investigators are currently on scene, working to determine the cause of the fire and assess the extent of the damage. Authorities have stated that more information will be released to the public as it becomes available and the investigation progresses.