Authorities have identified a Rincon man who died in a house fire early Saturday morning.
Vernon Warner, 39, died in a fire at his Green Drive home in the Westwood Heights subdivision. According to reports, Effingham County Sheriff’s deputies and fire crews responded to the fire shortly after 1 a.m. and found the house fully engulfed in flames.
Three children, ages 13, 9, and 2, were able to escape from the home and were being cared for by neighbors when deputies arrived. Their mother, Audrey Warner, was found severely burned on the front steps of the home where deputies were able to pull her away to safety.
Audrey Warner was airlifted to the Joseph M. Still Burn Center in Augusta with life threatening injuries. Initial findings indicate both of the children's parents we're getting their children out of the residence. The body of Vernon Warner was found near the front door inside of the residence.
Several agencies responded and assisted including the Rincon Fire Department, Effingham County Fire Department, Effingham County EMS, Effingham County Sheriff's Office, Rincon Police Department, Lifestar, and the American Red Cross.
The investigation is still ongoing by the Effingham County Sheriff's Office and The State Fire Marshal.