3 Killed in Upstate South Carolina House Fire

Victims identified as two adults and a child in Greer, SC incident

Apr. 6, 2026 at 10:50am

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A deadly house fire in Greer, South Carolina claimed the lives of three people on Thursday night, including two adult women and a 3-year-old girl. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the blaze that broke out at a home on Sugar Creek Lane.

Why it matters

Fatal house fires are tragic events that often raise questions about home safety, emergency response times, and the underlying factors that may have contributed to the loss of life. This incident has shaken the local community and will likely prompt renewed discussions about fire prevention and safety measures.

The details

Firefighters from the Boiling Springs Fire Department responded to the home after 9:30 pm on Thursday and found the bodies of the three victims while extinguishing the flames. The victims were later identified as 70-year-old Laura Ellen Brysacz, 57-year-old Julianne Marie Burgess, and 3-year-old Piper Rubi McCullough. Brysacz and Burgess were residents of the home, while McCullough was Brysacz's great-granddaughter. Authorities had to conduct DNA analysis and post-mortem examinations on some of the victims due to the severity of their injuries. The causes of death were listed as inhalation of smoke and thermal burns, though the exact manner of death remains undetermined.

  • The fire was reported to authorities after 9:30 pm on Thursday, April 6, 2026.
  • Firefighters responded to the home on the 200 block of Sugar Creek Lane in Greer, South Carolina.

The players

Laura Ellen Brysacz

A 70-year-old resident of the home where the fatal fire occurred.

Julianne Marie Burgess

A 57-year-old resident of the home where the fatal fire occurred.

Piper Rubi McCullough

A 3-year-old girl who was the great-granddaughter of Laura Brysacz and one of the victims of the fire.

Boiling Springs Fire Department

The local fire department that responded to the scene and extinguished the blaze.

Greenville County Coroner's Office

The office responsible for identifying the victims and determining the causes and manner of their deaths.

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What they’re saying

“We are still investigating the cause of this tragic incident and working to determine the exact circumstances that led to these deaths.”

— Shelton England, Deputy Chief

What’s next

Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the fire and the events leading up to the incident. The Greenville County Coroner's Office will provide further updates on the victims' causes and manner of death once the investigations are complete.

The takeaway

This devastating house fire has shaken the local community and raised important questions about home fire safety and emergency response protocols. As the investigation continues, officials will likely focus on identifying any potential contributing factors or safety issues that may have played a role in this tragic loss of life.