Kannapolis, NC (January 17, 2026) Authorities are investigating a deadly house fire in Rowan County that claimed the life of a 28-year-old man earlier this week. According to the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded around 9 p.m. on January 15 to a structure fire at 120 Jay Avenue in Kannapolis. When they arrived, firefighters found a mobile home fully engulfed in flames. One person, identified as Daniel Lee Bynum, was found deceased inside the residence. Officials from multiple agencies are working together to determine what caused the blaze and how it led to Bynum’s death.
Key Details
- Location: Kannapolis, North Carolina
- Where: 120 Jay Ave
- Type: Fatal House Fire
- Reported: 9 p.m. on January 15
- Injuries: Confirmed fatality
- Responding Agency: Rowan County Sheriff’s Office
What We Know So Far
- A fatal house fire occurred at a mobile home on Jay Ave in Kannapolis.
- The incident was reported around 9 p.m. on January 15.
- Daniel Lee Bynum, 28, was confirmed dead inside the home.
- The home was fully engulfed in flames when crews arrived.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- The cause of the fire and the manner of death.
- Whether the fire originated accidentally or through foul play.
- If any working smoke detectors were present in the residence.
- The estimated damage to the structure and surrounding area.
Local Context
Jay Avenue is located in a residential section of Kannapolis within Rowan County, an area that includes a mix of single-family homes and mobile residences. The neighborhood where the fire occurred is situated near the city’s southern limits and is typically quiet. When structure fires like this are reported in Rowan County, fire crews often face limited access or rapidly spreading flames, particularly with mobile homes. The Rowan County Fire Marshal’s Office and the North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal routinely join with sheriff’s investigators to assess fire origins, review scene safety factors, and determine if additional hazards or criminal elements are involved before releasing a final report.
What to Do Next
- If you live nearby, check your smoke detectors and fire escape plans to ensure safety.
- If you have any information about the fire, contact the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office.
- Support loved ones affected by the incident through community and grief resources.
- Stay alert for updates from investigators as they determine the cause of the fire.
FAQ
Q: What should residents do to prepare for a house fire emergency?
A: Ensure working smoke detectors are installed on every level, create an evacuation plan, and practice it regularly with all household members.
Q: Why are mobile homes particularly vulnerable to fires?
A: Mobile homes can be constructed with materials that burn quickly, and fires may spread faster due to limited space and ventilation.
Q: How do fire marshals investigate the cause of a fatal fire?
A: They examine burn patterns, interview witnesses, and collect physical evidence to determine how and where the fire started and whether foul play was involved.
