TAMPA, Fla. – Tampa Fire Rescue responded to a reported structure fire at 1306 East Cayuga Street early Saturday morning at 3:13 a.m. Responding crews found the single-story residential structure fully engulfed in flames. Firefighters began attacking the fire with water and found that the fire had spread to a parked recreational vehicle next to the home.
The fire and heat were so intense that firefighters fought defensively until they were able to perform a search of the interior of the home. Once inside, firefighters found the elderly male victim who died from the effects of the fire.
The fire was under control at 4:50 a.m.
Due to the fire-related death, the Arson Task Force was called to the scene.
Investigators determined that the fire was caused by an electrical malfunction and was further ruled accidental.
The Arson Task Force was called out as standard protocol when there is a fire-related death. The Arson Task Force is made up of representatives from the Tampa fire marshal’s office, Tampa police department, ATF, State fire marshal’s office, and the State Attorney’s office.
Fire investigators say that Damage to the property and its contents is estimated at $70,000.