Belhaven Waterfront Home Destroyed by Fire, Residents Safe

I still remember reading about the fire that tore through a waterfront home in Belhaven on Monday afternoon, and it hit me how quickly life can change in an instant. Around 12:38 p.m., fire crews were called to a residence on Little Creek Road Extension, where smoke and flames were already pouring from a two-story home.

When I think about the homeowners, I can’t help but feel relieved—they escaped without a scratch. Imagine standing outside, watching your home engulfed in flames, knowing all your belongings might be gone. Yet, the most important thing here is that no one was hurt.

For anyone following this story closely, it’s crucial to know that this wasn’t just a small kitchen fire. It was significant enough to trigger a second alarm, bringing in multiple fire departments from Belhaven, Sidney, Pantego, Bath, Ponzer, and Bunyan, alongside Beaufort County Emergency Services. The fact that everyone got out safely is a testament to the quick response of these teams.

Fire Response and Emergency Efforts

Reading how the fire crews jumped into action really gives you perspective on the risks first responders take every day. According to WCTI12, the initial call came in at 12:38 p.m., and firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke and flames consuming the two-story waterfront home.

I was struck by how quickly a second alarm was requested, which brought in extra firefighters and equipment from Bath, Ponzer, and Bunyan fire departments. Local departments from Belhaven, Sidney, and Pantego, along with Beaufort County Emergency Services, also pitched in. It’s a massive coordination effort that most of us don’t see, but it makes a huge difference in saving lives.

You can imagine the extra challenge they faced—roads covered in snow made it harder to reach the home safely. The crews weren’t just trying to put out the fire; they were also protecting the neighboring houses from catching fire. Reading about this made me realize how much thought goes into these operations, far beyond what the news clip shows.

Similar large-scale responses were seen during the Parsonsburg fire, where over 100 firefighters coordinated to contain the blaze, showing the critical role of teamwork in emergencies.

Cause of the Fire

Now, let’s talk about why this happened. Officials said the fire was accidental and likely started when the homeowner was trying to thaw frozen pipes. I know it sounds like a small, everyday task—but in winter, it can turn dangerous very quickly.

I’ve learned from cases like this that frozen pipes are more than just an inconvenience. Applying heat incorrectly, especially near flammable materials, can spark a fire within minutes. You might be thinking, “That could never happen to me,” but I’ve seen it happen even in homes with basic safety measures.

The real takeaway here is to treat winter home maintenance seriously. Using proper tools, keeping fire extinguishers nearby, and having a clear emergency plan can make all the difference. Trusted sources like FEMA and the Red Cross offer step-by-step tips for safely thawing pipes, and checking those resources is something I always recommend.

Even smaller accidents, like the house fire in Harahan, can quickly escalate, reinforcing the importance of preventive measures during routine home maintenance.

Winter Home Fire Safety Tips

Reading this story, I immediately thought about what you and I can do to prevent the same thing. Winter home fires like this are avoidable if you take a few precautions:

• Thaw frozen pipes safely: Use hair dryers or heat tape—not open flames.
• Smoke alarms: Make sure they’re working on every floor, especially near kitchens and bathrooms.
• Emergency plan: Know your exits, and practice evacuation with your family.

I also check advice from fire departments’ official safety pages and firefighter forums on Reddit—they share real-life examples of what goes wrong and how to avoid it. A few minutes spent preparing can save your home and life.

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Lessons Learned from the Belhaven Fire

There’s a lot we can take away from this incident. First, even routine tasks like thawing pipes can have serious consequences if we’re not careful. Second, fast and coordinated emergency response matters immensely—these firefighters prevented what could have been a tragic outcome.

I want you to remember: home safety isn’t just about alarms or extinguishers—it’s also about awareness, preparation, and community support. And while we can’t control accidents, we can control how prepared we are.

What I’d love to know is—if something like this happened in your area, do you feel ready to act quickly and keep your family safe? Sharing your thoughts or tips could help someone else reading this right now.

Incidents like this remind me of the Freeport house fire, which displaced at least a dozen residents, highlighting how quickly fires can change lives.

Official Statements from Beaufort County

Hearing directly from officials always adds clarity. Beaufort County’s Public Information Officer confirmed that both occupants escaped safely and that no injuries were reported. According to the PIO, the fire was classified as accidental and appears to have started while the homeowner was thawing frozen pipes.

I like including these statements because it gives readers confidence that the information is accurate and comes from trusted sources. It also highlights the seriousness with which local authorities treat home fire safety, while reassuring the community that help is quick and effective.

The PIO also emphasized the importance of winter safety precautions for all residents, reminding us that small preventive steps—like checking smoke alarms, keeping emergency numbers handy, and being cautious when using heat sources—can make a huge difference.

For anyone living in similar conditions, these statements aren’t just news—they’re a practical guide for keeping your home and loved ones safe.

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Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on official statements and credible news sources. It is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Readers should exercise their own judgment and follow local authorities’ guidance for safety.