Southern Wayne County Man Perishes in Tragic House Fire

People were stunned and saddened to learn of the death of Harold Robertson, a well-known Iron City man, in a house fire last Monday.

The fire at the Robertson home, located at 6080 Buford Robertson Road in Iron City, was reported at approximately 12:44 p.m. on Monday, December 29th. When firefighters arrived on scene, the fire at the two-story home was fully involved. As family members and friends of Mr. Robertson became aware of the fire, speculation and fear began to spread regarding who might still be inside. Harold Robertson and his wife Wanda were the only residents of the home; however, their children and grandchildren had access to the home as well.

After confirming the location of other family members, it became clear that Mr. Robertson was the only person inside the burning home. A valiant rescue effort was put forth by the firefighters on scene, but no one was able to fight through the fire and smoke that had completely overtaken the home. The Robertson residence was ultimately a total loss, with the home and all belongings in it destroyed.

Volunteer Fire Departments responding to the fire were EMA Station 2-Collinwood, Station 4-Holly Creek, Station 10-Cypress Inn, Station 11-Southgate, Station 6-Lutts, and Station 7-Topsy. Wayne County EMS also responded as soon as they were notified that someone was still inside the home. The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Collinwood City Police Department, kept the scene secured.

Wayne County Sheriff Shane Fisher stated that he made the call requesting the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) to join in the search for Mr. Robertson’s remains on Monday afternoon. “The TBI is much more equipped to handle recovery efforts like this,” said Sheriff Fisher. “Our main priority was recovery of the remains, and the TBI made that happen as quickly as possible.”

Sheriff Fisher confirmed that Mr. Robertson’s remains were recovered by TBI investigators at approximately 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday. “The main focus now is positive identification of the body,” said Sheriff Fisher. “An autopsy will be conducted, but it will be some time before the full results are released. However, we will be able to get a positive identification on the remains very soon.”

The Sheriff went on to state that no foul play is suspected in either the fire or the death of Mr. Robertson. “There was no indication of arson, and no indication that Mr. Robertson was the victim of any foul play,” stated Sheriff Fisher.

Wayne County EMA Director Brian Smith was at the scene of the fire from very early on after the fire was reported. When asked if the fire was still under investigation, Smith stated, “The exact origin and cause of the fire may never be known. When there is no indication of foul play, as there is no indication in this fire, there is usually no ongoing investigation.”

Sheriff Fisher concurred that after being on scene for hours and ultimately recovering Mr. Robertson’s remains, the TBI/Fire Marshal’s Office (which is now officially part of the TBI) made the determination that no foul play was involved.

Mr. Harold Robertson was a lifelong Southern Wayne Countian. He leaves behind his wife, Wanda Kay Robertson; two daughters, Amy Robertson Daniel and Ashlee Robertson Sherrill; and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, friends, family, and loved ones.

Harold was well known in the timber/logging and farming industries, as well as being the owner of a bail-bonding agency. He was an avid Collinwood Trojanette basketball fan, as both of his daughters were standout players.

Harold Robertson was 73 years old.