WINTON – An 86-year-old Winton man tragically lost his life in a residential fire here Friday evening.

Joseph Wilson Jr. – better known as “Chief” – died at his home located at 302 South Murfree Street.

Winton Fire Chief Zack Askew said Wilson was found deceased near the rear door of the single-story residence.

Askew added that a female, possibly Wilson’s adult daughter, was at the residence at the time of the fire. She managed to escape unharmed, Askew said.

Askew stated that his department answered the call at around 7 p.m. Upon arrival the Winton firefighters encountered a blaze that was growing in size.

“We immediately requested manpower and assistance from both the Ahoskie Rural and Union Volunteer fire departments,” Askew said.

Between the three departments, a total of eight units fought the blaze. Four of those units were from the Winton Fire Department, who remained on the scene until around 11 p.m.

The residence was a total loss, according to Askew.

While the blaze appears accidental in nature, Chris Smith, Hertford County’s Emergency Management Director and Fire Marshall, said he and the Hertford County Sheriff’s Office were still investigating.