By Captain Kevin Saxton, PIO
Delray Beach (FL) Fire Rescue (DBFR) crews responded to a house fire early Monday in Rainberry Estates where one occupant was found dead.
The call was initially received as a fire-alarm activation from a smoke detector. Upon their arrival, DBFR firefighters found heavy smoke and fire conditions with fire burning through the roof of the residence. Fire was so extensive that crews were unable to make entry to the structure until after the fire was brought under control at approximately 0130.
Once the fire was extinguished, crews were able to search the structure and find the body of an 86-year-old male resident of the home. The victim was the only one in the structure at the time of the fire and was found in the master bedroom.
The fire affected approximately one-third of the structure–a large single-family home–leaving an 86 year-old man dead. The roof to the structure has partially collapsed making the house untenable at this time. The cause of the fire is under investigation by Delray Beach Fire Rescue crews as well as the Florida State Fire Marshall’s office, and is expected to take an extended amount of time due to the extent of the fire.
Delray Beach Fire Rescue had approximately 20 personnel on scene to control the fire. DBFR units responding to the call were Engine 4, Medic 4, Squirt 1, Medic 1, Engine 3, Truck 5, Special Operations 5, Battalion 1, EMS 1, Inspector 1, and the Fire Marshall.
In addition to the victim of the house fire, crews also found one deceased cat.
