LORIS, Horry County, S.C., Sept. 28, 2026 — One person died on Monday morning, September 28, after a house fire on Gaylan Street near Main Street in Loris, according to the city's police chief.
The Loris Fire Department responded to the blaze and initially reported critical injuries at the scene, Police Chief Gary Buley said. The chief later confirmed that one person died as a result of the fire. The victim's name has not been released.
Horry County Fire Rescue and the Tabor City Fire Department also responded to assist. A video submitted by a viewer showed the home engulfed in flames, and a photo showed extensive damage to the structure. The cause of the fire has not been determined, but it remains under investigation.
Our sympathies are with the family of the person who lost their life.
How Investigators Piece Together a Fatal House Fire
Fire investigators typically start at the scene itself, working through the wreckage room by room once it's safe to enter. They look for burn patterns, points of origin, and any electrical or heating equipment that may have failed. This work can take days, especially when a structure is badly damaged and unsafe to fully access right away.
Confirming a victim's identity is usually one of the slower steps. Agencies wait for a medical examiner or coroner to make a formal identification and for next of kin to be notified before releasing a name to the public. That process protects families from learning devastating news through a news report rather than in person.
A final fire report, including an official cause and origin determination, can take weeks. Investigators may need lab results on debris samples, statements from witnesses or survivors, and sign-off from multiple responding agencies before anything is made public. Families waiting for those answers should expect the process to move on its own timeline, not the news cycle's.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common causes of house fires?
Cooking equipment, heating sources, electrical wiring, and smoking materials are among the most frequent causes of residential fires, though each fire is investigated individually to determine its specific origin.
How quickly can a house fire become life-threatening?
Home fires can spread from a small flame to full involvement of a room in minutes, and smoke inhalation usually poses as much danger as the flames themselves.
Why does it take so long to release a cause of death or fire origin?
Investigators rely on lab analysis, scene reconstruction, and medical examiner findings, all of which take time to complete accurately before results are released publicly.
What to Do After a House Fire in Loris, SC
If you or someone you know has survived a house fire, seek medical evaluation right away, even if injuries seem minor at first, since smoke inhalation effects can appear later. Contact your local fire department or the American Red Cross for help with emergency housing, replacing essential documents, and immediate needs. Keep records of the fire department's incident report and any communication with insurance providers, and reach out to local support services in Loris for guidance on next steps during recovery.
