Two Homes Damaged in Harnett County Fire

I’ve seen a lot of fire reports over the years, but this one hits differently—maybe because it happened in the middle of a quiet Monday, right here in Coats, North Carolina. Around 11:50 a.m., a fire broke out on Tilghman Road, just off Applejack Lane. One house was completely destroyed. The other? Its attic took a heavy hit, but firefighters managed to save the rest.

No one was physically hurt, which is the best news in all this. But let’s not downplay what the Richardson family is facing—they lost everything. Their home. Their belongings. Their sense of normal.

When I heard about this story, it wasn’t just another headline to scroll past. Fires like this don’t just burn buildings—they break routines, upend lives, and leave families picking up pieces for months, sometimes years.

You probably clicked on this to understand what really happened—not just a recap, but the human side. So let’s go deeper. What sparked this fire? How did the crews respond? And what can you do to protect your own home this summer?

Let’s get into it.

Two Coats Homes Damaged in Midday Blaze

I’ve covered dozens of structure fires across North Carolina, but this one on Tilghman Road in Coats was particularly intense. According to a report by CBS 17, flames tore through two neighboring homes—one of them was completely destroyed, while the other suffered heavy attic damage.

If you live nearby, you probably saw the smoke for miles. It wasn’t just another emergency call—this was a real crisis, happening in real time. CBS reported that fire crews arrived fast and worked relentlessly to contain the blaze, but by then, the fire had already consumed the structure of one house entirely.

I want you to imagine losing your home—not just the walls and furniture, but the years of memories and moments tucked into every corner. That’s what the affected families are dealing with right now.

“The Shock I Felt Was Insane”: A Firsthand Account

I’ll be honest—when I read what Asher Richardson shared with WRAL News, it stopped me cold. He was inside when the fire started and didn’t even realize the danger at first.

“I had no idea that there was a fire upstairs at that point until I did open that door and just the shock I felt was insane,” — Asher said.

I can’t even imagine what it must feel like—to open a door and come face to face with a burning ceiling, your home crumbling from above. No warning. No time to prepare. Just raw panic.

And you? If you’re reading this from the comfort of your home, I hope you never go through something like that. But Asher did. And today, he and his family are trying to figure out what comes next—with nothing left to hold onto but the clothes on their backs.

Just like the recent house fire in Montgomery County that left a family of four homeless, the risks increase when we underestimate heat and old wiring.

Firefighters From 7 Departments Join Forces

I’ve got nothing but respect for the firefighters who responded that day. The 911 call came in at 11:50 a.m., and within minutes, trucks from Dunn Emergency Services, Benson, Coats, Erwin, Buies Creek, the NC Forest Service, and others were on the scene. Over seven agencies joined hands—because that’s what it took to fight this kind of blaze.

You have to understand—this wasn’t an easy fire to battle. The Benson Assistant Fire Chief Andy Byrd explained how the extreme heat made things even harder.

“When it is hot like this it takes more energy in general because of the heat… it takes a lot more energy out of a person,” he said.

Think about that. While most of us were inside enjoying air conditioning, these firefighters were suiting up, dragging hoses, and risking their lives under a scorching sun. If they hadn’t acted as quickly as they did, both homes could’ve been completely lost.

Quick updates on local emergencies—like this one—are often first shared through community alerts and real-time channels. I came across one such update during this fire that helped spread information fast through WhatsApp.

Cause of the Fire: Still Under Investigation

Right now, I know you’re probably wondering—what caused this? Was it electrical? Something in the attic? A kitchen fire?

Well, as of now, the Harnett County Fire Marshal’s Office is still investigating. No official cause has been released, and trust me, I checked every update available.

And I get it—you want answers. So do the families. Fires like this leave behind more questions than closure at first. But until the Marshal’s Office finishes their investigation, we’re left with what-ifs.

If you’re living in Coats—or anywhere in Harnett County—you’re probably taking a second look at your own smoke detectors, attic wiring, maybe even your insurance policy. And you should. This isn’t a story to scroll past. It’s a wake-up call.

If you’ve experienced something like this—or have thoughts on fire safety in your community—I’d love to hear from you in the comments below.

Coats Community Steps Up for the Richardson Family

This is the part that gets me every time. Tragedy struck, yes—but what came next is what really defines a town like Coats.

Within hours, a GoFundMe page was set up for the Richardson family. People started sharing it online, neighbors dropped off clothes, and volunteers began organizing relief. Because when one family loses everything, Coats doesn’t look away.

And you? If this fire moved you in any way, here’s a simple way to help. Donate, share, or even just drop a kind message. These aren’t strangers—they’re part of our state, our people.

This isn’t just about rebuilding walls. It’s about helping a family rebuild their life. One donation, one neighbor, one small act of kindness at a time.

Urban settings aren’t immune either—just last month, a row house fire in Northeast DC displaced five people, highlighting how common these tragedies have become.

Summer Fire Safety: What You Can Do to Protect Your Home

Let me speak to you directly here—this fire didn’t start out as a massive blaze. It started somewhere small, somewhere quiet. But in this North Carolina heat? Flames don’t stay small for long.

If you live in Harnett County—or anywhere across the state—this is the time to take fire safety seriously. Here’s what I suggest:

• Check your smoke alarms: Replace batteries if it’s been more than 6 months.
• Inspect your attic: Look for loose wiring, insulation issues, or blocked vents.
• Clear dry brush: Especially if you live near fields, woods, or open land.
• Have an escape plan: Your family should know at least two ways out.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), house fires are more likely in hot, dry months—especially June through August.

You’ve already seen what one spark can do. Now take 10 minutes today to make sure your home isn’t next.

Some aren’t as fortunate—like the tragic Bronx home fire that claimed the life of an elderly resident. Stories like these are a grim reminder of what’s at stake.

Past Fires in Harnett County: Is There a Pattern Emerging?

I’ve been following fire reports across this region for years, and this isn’t the first home fire Coats has seen—not by a long shot.

Back in 2024, there was a similar house fire on Jay Street. Same situation: one house destroyed, another nearly lost. That incident raised concerns about electrical safety and emergency response times. And in late 2023, a fire near Dunn displaced another family just before Christmas.

So is there a pattern?

Maybe. Maybe not. But there’s certainly a lesson—fire preparedness needs to be ongoing, not reactionary. Whether it’s summer heat, outdated infrastructure, or just bad luck, the number of residential fires in this county is worth watching closely.

If you’re a local homeowner, it’s time to start thinking seasonally: inspect before summer, clean before winter, and always have an emergency kit ready.

Final Thoughts

This fire wasn’t just a Monday news story. It was someone’s life turned upside down in 90 minutes. The Richardson family is picking up the pieces. Firefighters put their bodies on the line. And neighbors are proving that Coats, NC isn’t just a town—it’s a family.

You and I? We’re part of that family too, whether we live there or not. Let’s stay alert. Let’s stay safe. And let’s show up for each other when it matters most.

For more updates on local house fires and community efforts, visit our website and browse the full stories.

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available news sources and firsthand reports at the time of publication. Details may evolve as investigations continue. For official updates, always refer to local emergency services or verified government agencies.