CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla-- The State's Fire Marshal Office has taken over the investigation into the deadly house fire that killed one and left another seriously injured late Monday. Charlotte County Fire Department first responded to a house fire call around 4:00 in the afternoon along Oil Wells Road.
"The house was fully involved and a portion of the fire had gone through the roof," said Charlotte Fire PIO Dee Hawkins-Garland
4 Charlotte County Fire engines responded, along with EMS and a Punta Gorda Fire engine. Although the home was located down a narrow, dirt road officials said they were able to arrive on scene in a timely manor.
“We did extinguish the fire rather quickly, it was approximately 30 min when the fire was called under control," said Hawkins-Garland.
The homeowner, Ronald Bell, was taken to the hospital with injuries.
Charlotte County Sheriff's Office Special Crimes Unit was called on scene after a body was found inside.
Officials said there's now extensive damage to the home. The American Red Cross has stepped in to help the family.
According to the Charlotte County Fire Department, the investigation has been turned over to the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office Special Crimes Unit and the state's Fire Marshal to further investigate and determine the cause.
