(ROCKVALE) Here's an update on the deadly Thursday (2/9/2023) night fire on Snell Road. The fire marshal ruled the fire that killed 69-year old Obie Ship and his three pets as accidental. 

Fire Marshal Josh Sanders explained that Rutherford County Fire-Rescue arrived at the home in the 3700 block of Snell Road within 3-minutesand that the structure was fully engulfed. 

Mr. Shipp was pronounced deceased at-the-scene. 

One of the firefighters was injured while fighting the blaze and was taken to the ER at Ascension St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital with minor injuries. He was later released. 

The community where the fire occurred only has about 13-homes. Snell Road sits between Highway 41 and I-24 in Christiana, close to Elam Road.

Special thanks to the responding agencies: Rutherford County Fire-Rescue, Rutherford County Emergency Medical Services, Rutherford County Sheriffs Office, and Christiana Volunteer Fire Department.