One person is dead after a fire broke out in a Butler County home early Friday morning.
The victim, according to Butler County Coroner Jim Akers, is 63-year-old Bruce Morelan, who resided in the 600 block of County Road 323.
“We got the call at 9:14 a.m.,” said Butler County Fire Chief Bob Fredwell.
“I think the neighbors saw smoke coming out of the eaves, and I believe they were the ones who called it in,” Fredwell added.
The first of four trucks arrived quickly, Fredwell said, and forced entry into the home.
“The fire was inside the front doorway probably 15 feet, between the living room and kitchen area,” Fredwell said. “They knocked the fire down pretty quick and they started their search.”
After checking the bedroom Fredwell said, firefighters found Morelan laying near the kitchen.
“He happened to be elderly and on oxygen,” said Akers, “and the cause of death is due to smoke inhalation.”
By mid-day, the state fire marshal was on the scene, Fredwell said.
“Right now, the fire marshal is on the scene trying to determine the cause,” he said.
The fire, Fredwell noted, burned in the floor area and “didn’t look suspicious at all.”
“It wasn’t really burning that much because the house is pretty airtight. It was more or less in a smoldering stage,” Fredwell added. “There was a lot of smoke and heat, but very little fire damage. It did burn a hole in the floor.”
“It’s very unfortunate,” Fredwell said of the situation.