Man Killed in Florida Trailer Fire

March 28, 2008
The man's mother and stepfather were able to escape.

ORMOND BEACH, Fla. --

A 20-year-old in Volusia County was killed early Friday when fire engulfed his family's mobile home.

Firefighters said flames were seen at the victim Joseph Searles trailer at about 1 a.m. located on Linda Avenue near Ormond Beach.

When firefighters arrived, flames were rising about 10 feet into the air, Local 6 reported.

Searles' mother and stepfather were able to escape but the 20-year-old man's body was found inside about 30 minutes later.

"He was always happy," a neighbor said about the victim. "He would speak to everybody and he always wanted to talk. He loved riding his bike up and down the road. He was a good boy."

Neighbors said they noticed a power truck at the trailer on Thursday and in the past they have had electrical problems.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Watch Local 6 News for more on this story.

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