One Person Dies in Early-Morning House Fire on Reid Street

A person died Sunday morning after a fire consumed a home at 914 Reid Street in Greensboro, with investigators still working to determine what ignited the blaze and the Greensboro Fire Department renewing a direct warning: if you escape a burning home, do not go back inside.

Greensboro Fire Department crews, Greensboro Police, and Guilford County EMS responded to the 900 block of Reid Street at approximately 6:47 a.m. Sunday, March 29, after the initial call went out through Guilford Metro 911. Fire units reached the scene within four minutes of dispatch. Seventeen firefighters were on scene within eight minutes of that first call.

One victim was found at the residence. Guilford County EMS transported the person to a local hospital, where the individual was later pronounced dead. The victim's identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

The cause and origin of the fire remain under investigation. No additional injuries were reported.

The Greensboro Fire Department followed the incident with a pointed public safety message: if a house fire breaks out and you make it outside, do not re-enter for any reason. Once out, call 911 and wait for firefighters to arrive. Re-entering a burning structure, the department noted, greatly increases the risk of serious injury or death.

That guidance matters most when the closest working smoke alarm is the difference between waking up in time and not. Greensboro Fire Department firefighters will install smoke alarms at no charge for any Greensboro city limits resident who requests it. Alarms should be placed on every level of the home and outside every bedroom, tested weekly, and have their batteries replaced twice a year. To schedule a free installation or battery replacement, call the department's Fire and Life Safety Division at 336-373-2576. Guilford County residents living outside Greensboro city limits can contact the Guilford County Fire Marshal's Office at 336-641-7565 for the same service.

The investigation into the Reid Street fire is ongoing, and additional details are expected once the cause and origin have been determined.