Kentucky firefighters encounter icy roads getting to house fire that left 1 dead
Firefighters encountered icy road conditions while trying to get to, and battle, a fatal house fire Thursday night.
The fire happened around 8:30 p.m. on Twin Oaks Drive in Cannon, which is in Knox County. The Richland Fire Department said firefighters dispatched to the blaze encountered icy road conditions and steep terrain that prevented them from accessing the home.
Firefighters had to stretch more than 500 feet of hoses up the hill to extinguish the fire, according to the fire department. Additional help from the Barbourville Fire Department was requested.
One person died in the fire, according to the fire department. The victim was identified as Katherine Smith, 66, according to Kentucky State Police.
“We ask that you join us in prayer for the family and friends of the person who passed away,” the fire department said in a Facebook post.
Foul play is not suspected in Smith’s death, according to state police. An autopsy on Smith’s body has been scheduled.
This story was originally published January 30, 2026 at 10:36 AM.
