An elderly Weston, FL man confined to a wheelchair died in a fire on Jan. 12.
Neighbors of Jerome and Mattie Taylor called 9-1-1 after they heard an alarm sounding at the couple’s home in the 1700 block of Lakeshore Circle.
Advised of a victim inside, Weston Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue crews attempted to enter the home to search for Jerome Taylor, 81.
As they made entry into the two-story dwelling, they were driven back by intense flames and had to make an initial knock prior to commencing the primary search.
They were able to reach the victim quickly but unfortunately, he had already succumbed.
Mrs. Taylor told Broward Sheriff's Office homicide detectives that she heard her husband yelling “fire” and telling her to get water.
By the time she reached the first-floor room, the door was too hot to enter. That’s when a neighbor pulled her from the smoke-filled house and called 9-1-1.
Attempts by BSO deputies also were unsuccessful to reach Mr. Taylor.
Approximately 30 firefighters extinguished the blaze in about 25 minutes.
Mattie Taylor was transported by Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue to nearby Cleveland Clinic Hospital for possible smoke inhalation.
Inspectors from the Broward Sheriff Fire Marshal’s Bureau and the state fire marshal’s office continue their cause and origin investigation.
BSO Homicide Unit detectives also responded and are conducting the death investigation.
