Man found dead inside house during weekend fire in Dayton

Investigators working to determine cause of blaze.
ajc.com

A man was found dead Friday night during a Whitmore Avenue house fire in Dayton.

The man’s identity has not been released.

“This tragic incident underscores the need for residents to have working smoke detectors in their homes, and maintain at least two ways out of every room to facilitate escape in the event of a fire,” said Dayton Fire Capt. Brad French.

Around 11 p.m. Friday, Dayton fire crews responded to the 600 block of Whitmore Avenue near Sylvan Drive, according to the fire department.

Crews found smoke showing from the house, and had difficulties getting inside due to hoarding conditions, according to the fire department.

Firefighters were able use a back window to gain entry into the residence, where they found the victim unconscious inside.

The man was taken outside for treatment and evaluation, but was determined to be deceased.

Firefighters returned around 5:40 a.m. Saturday to the home to put out remaining, deep-seated smoldering areas at the home. The burning items were removed and the site was secured, according to the fire department.

The Montgomery County Coroner’s Office is working to determine the man’s cause of death, and fire investigators are looking into the cause of the blaze.

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