Man Killed in Florida House Fire

May 15, 2008
Fire officials said two women inside the house safely escaped.

BELLEVIEW, Fla. --

Marion County firefighters discovered the body of an adult man in his 60s shortly after arriving to the scene of a house fire in Belleview on Thursday.

Shortly after midnight, rescuers were called to a 1,500 square-foot home at 6130 SE Robinson Road. Upon arrival, approximately half the home was already consumed with flames.

Firefighters put the fire out in about 30 minutes.

Fire officials said two women inside the house safely escaped.

As firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze, an oxygen tank inside the house exploded and a power line fell in front of the residence.

"A lot of these homes are built the same way and one of the explosions shot embers up over the trees," neighbor Jacequeline Neveles said. Neveles said she and other neighbors were concerned that the fire would spread because of the dry conditions.

At this time Marion County Fire Rescue is not releasing the name of the victim and officials have not determined the cause of the blaze.

To comment on this story, send an e-mail to Danielle Bellini.

Copyright 2008 by WESH.COM. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Voice Your Opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Firehouse, create an account today!