House fire in Moore County claims three lives
PETERSBURG, Tenn. -- A deadly house fire broke out in Moore County, Tennessee this morning. A 33-year-old father, Nathan Robinson and his daughters: 13-year-old, Cailyn and 8-year-old Gillianna lost their lives.
The house was fully engulfed when firefighters arrived, according to Chief Mark Neal. He says no determination has been made at this time as to how the fire started. It happened at 1501 Shelbyville Highway (US 231) at 6 a.m. on Saturday, according to Chief Mark Neal with the Metro Moore County Fire & Rescue.
"With the possibility of children trapped, we did a full response to Highway 231," says Chief Neal.
"See some smoke, the fire was already down when we came by about 8 a.m. Fire department and police department was already up here and had the road blocked off, " according to neighbors like Dennis Parks.
The Chestnut Ridge area resident found a new route this morning, while finding it hard to believe...
Parks says, "To lose all their belongings and life this time of year and all, it's always a shock but especially during the Christmas holidays."
According to Neal, Robinson escaped the blaze with his 36-year-old wife, Elizabeth and their 11-year-old son, Mason. He went back inside though to try and save his daughters...
"And he succumbed to probably the heat, smoke and gases in the house. I've been in the fire service since 1974 and this is the worst fire loss I've experienced in my career," explains Neal.
The mother and son went by LifeFlight to Vanderbilt Medical Center for smoke inhalation and burns.
Parks adds, "Seeing the kids out playing...They seem like a real quiet family."
The resident of more than 40 years says, the Robinson's moved here a few years ago and homeschooled.
"The family needs your prayers and any help that can be given to them, from what I can see here: everything is a total loss," Parks explains.
"We caution people this time of year as we try to stay warm, please be sure you have a working smoke detector on every level and that you also have a working carbon monoxide detector," adds Chief Neal.
Neal says, the family owned several animals and they are being cared for by neighbors and the county in the meantime.
The funerals for Nathan, Cailyn and Gillianna are planned for Dec. 16.
A GoFundME account has been set up for the family.
Moore County is 70 miles south of Nashville.
