Charcoal grill suspected in fire that killed Special Forces soldier and 2 ...

HOPE MILLS - A house fire that killed a Special Forces soldier and his two daughters earlier this month may have started accidentally by a charcoal grill, according to the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office.

Arson investigators determined the March 6 fire that killed Chief Warrant Officer 2 Edward Cantrell, 36, along with daughters Isabella, 6, and Natalia, 4, originated on an outdoor deck near a charcoal grill, said Debbie Tanna, spokeswoman for the Sheriff's Office.

Because the home was extensively damaged in the fire, investigators have been unable to determine the exact cause, Tanna said. But the grill is the suspected source.

Tanna said the investigation is continuing, with authorities planning next to examine the alarm system at the two-story brick house at 4151 Pecan Drive.


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