Candles sparked fire that destroyed Maxeys business, state probe finds

Jan. 26—A fire that destroyed a century-old building Jan. 16 in downtown Maxeys was accidentally sparked by candles placed near the front of the building, the state Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner's Office reported Monday.

William "Bill" Winkle, 70, who lived in the building with his wife, Rachel, died while attempting to fight the blaze. Bill Winkle was a former mayor of Maxeys.

When the fire spread from the candles, officials said Winkle attempted to put it out with a portable fire extinguisher. Failing at that, officials said he went to the adjacent fire station — apparently to get another extinguisher — where he collapsed and died.

The two-story, 3,210-square-foot structure was built in 1920 and housed the Maxeys Country Store and an apartment in the back where the Winkles lived, according to state Fire Commissioner John F. King.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this tragic time," King said.

A state fire marshal investigated the fire at the request of the Oglethorpe County Sheriff's Office.

The business was for sale at the time of the blaze, according to King.