ORLANDO, Fla. – Flames ripped through an Orlando house early Wednesday, leaving behind one person who was found dead after the fire was extinguished, according to the Orlando Fire Department.
The fire broke out around 2:45 a.m. in the 6000 block of Sextant Court.
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Orlando Fire Department Assistant Chief Creed McClelland said a neighbor reported the fire, which was “heavily involved” when firefighters arrived.
“In under three minutes our units were able to get water on the fire. There was extensive damage upon our arrival, so at this time we have our investigators here trying to determine the cause,” McClelland said. “The fire was through the roof upon our arrival, so that means all the ceiling debris came down.”
Firefighters returned to the neighborhood later Wednesday to install or replace people’s smoke detectors. They walked from door to door to make sure people had the proper tools to stay safe.
“We’re going to canvas the entire area, giving out smoke detectors to ensure that we reduce the risk to the people surrounding this area,” OFD District Chief Spencer Bashinski said.
One neighbor, Eric Diaz, took them up on their offer.
“Knowing what happened today and that there was a life gone, because you know maybe they didn’t have a smoke detector,” Diaz said. “Hopefully they did but I don’t know -- it doesn’t seem like they did.”
Bashinski said it’s “always unfortunate when we have a fire fatality.”
“It’s tough on the guys, you know, but what they do every day is tough,” Bashinski said. “And this is just another part of it.”
Neighbors said they were shocked by the scene that unfolded.
“To see this going on, it’s like, wow, just never happened,” Englewood resident John Garcia said.
Garcia has lived in the area for about eight months and said they hardly see traffic -- let alone police cars.
“A cop car at all is unusual,” Garcia said. “Very unusual.”
Orlando police has not been able to confirm the identity of the victim. The cause of the fire has also not yet been released.
Officials with the Orlando Fire Department said if you’d like to have them come out and install a free smoke detector, you’re able to go online and request the installation for free. To request a smoke detector installation, click here.
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