MULGA, Ala. — Authorities have released the identity of one of two people found dead following a late-night house fire in the town of Mulga. The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office confirmed that 79-year-old Charley James Carlisle Sr., of Detroit, was among the victims discovered inside the burned home.
According to officials, the Minor Fire Department was dispatched to a residential fire in the 1500 block of Pine Street at approximately 10:43 p.m. Wednesday. Fire crews arrived to find the home engulfed in flames and immediately began efforts to control and extinguish the blaze. Once the fire was put out, firefighters conducted a search of the residence.
During that search, two people were found unresponsive inside the home. Emergency responders pronounced both victims dead at the scene at around 12:50 a.m. Thursday. The coroner’s office later identified Carlisle as one of the deceased, noting that he was visiting from Detroit at the time of the fire.
The second victim is believed to be Carlisle’s sister, according to Chief Deputy Coroner Bill Yates. However, officials said her identity has not yet been officially confirmed. Yates explained that dental record comparisons are still underway and will be used to positively identify the second victim before her name is released publicly.
Multiple agencies are now involved in determining what led to the deadly fire. The Alabama State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause and origin of the blaze, working to establish how the fire started and whether any safety issues may have played a role. Investigators have not yet said if the fire is considered accidental or suspicious.
In addition, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is assisting with the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths. Authorities have not released further details about the condition of the home, how long the victims may have been inside during the fire, or whether smoke alarms were present and functioning.
The tragic incident has left the Mulga community shaken as officials continue their work to uncover answers. Investigators say the case remains active, and more information will be released once the second victim is positively identified and the fire investigation is complete.
