Deadly Fire Kills Anderson County Resident

Coroner says smoke inhalation and thermal burns led to victim's death.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

A late-night fire in a rural Anderson County mobile home claimed the life of 49-year-old Michael Chris Robinson. One female occupant escaped, but Robinson was airlifted to a burn center in Augusta, Georgia, where he later died from smoke inhalation and thermal burns. Coroner Greg Shore said the initial investigation points to a heater being placed too close to combustible materials inside the home.

Why it matters

Residential fires are a leading cause of unintentional injury deaths in the United States, with many occurring in older mobile homes that lack modern fire safety features. This tragic incident highlights the importance of fire prevention and education to keep vulnerable rural communities safe.

The details

According to authorities, the fire broke out late Friday night at a mobile home on Hall Road near Airline Road in Anderson County. One of the two occupants, 49-year-old Michael Chris Robinson, was severely injured and airlifted to a burn center in Augusta, Georgia, where he later died from smoke inhalation and thermal burns. The other occupant, a female, was able to escape the burning home. Coroner Greg Shore said the initial investigation indicates the fire was likely caused by a heater being placed too close to combustible materials inside the mobile home.

  • The fire occurred late Friday night.
  • Robinson was airlifted to a burn center in Augusta, Georgia, where he later died from his injuries.

The players

Michael Chris Robinson

A 49-year-old resident of the Anderson County mobile home who died from smoke inhalation and thermal burns after the fire.

Greg Shore

The Anderson County Coroner who said the initial investigation points to a heater being placed too close to combustible materials as the cause of the deadly fire.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the importance of fire safety, especially in older mobile homes where the risk of fire is higher. Residents should ensure proper placement of heating sources and have working smoke detectors to help prevent similar devastating outcomes.