Waynesboro Grandfather, Two Grandchildren Perish in House Fire

Tragedy struck a Waynesboro family three times at once on Monday when a house fire claimed the lives of an adult and two children.

On Monday, September 28, at approximately 4:00 a.m., a residential fire was reported at 106 Vaughn Street in Waynesboro. The Waynesboro City Fire Department and EMA Station 1 (Waynesboro) responded to the call. Upon their arrival at the scene, the home (a double-wide manufactured home) was fully engulfed in flames, and there was no possibility of making entrance.

Firefighters fought the flames as much and as long as possible, but the home was reduced to ashes and has since been declared a total loss.

Two of the home’s residents, an adult female and a juvenile male, were able to escape the burning home but were transferred to Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville for treatment of smoke inhalation and other unknown injuries sustained while escaping the burning home.

Three fatalities were confirmed as a result of the fire. The homeowner, Paul Warren, and two of his grandchildren, ages 6 and 12, perished in the burning home. The juvenile who survived and was transferred to Vanderbilt was also Warren’s grandchild, and the injured female was reported to be Warren’s wife.

While no foul play or suspicious circumstances are indicated, the fire is under investigation by the TBI as is standard protocol when there are fatalities. How the fire started is undetermined at this time.

As our community always does in times of tragedy such as this, prayers are requested on behalf of the Warrens’ family and friends, including the children’s classmates and teachers in the Waynesboro school system. Those of us here at The Wayne County News extend our heartfelt sympathy and prayers for all.