Deadly fire destroys home in NE Cape Coral

A fire killed at least one person and destroyed a home Tuesday morning on Northeast 12th Avenue, according to the Cape Coral Fire Chief

The fire began around 9:58 a.m. at the home on Northeast 12th Avenue and 36th Avenue, according to fire officials. Neighbors described the incident as an explosion.

Investigators believe an oxygen tank found among the rubble could have caused the blast, but confirmation is still yet to come.

Nearby resident Shirley Bee says the victim had a close call just three months ago.

“He was smoking with oxygen on, with a face mask on, he burned himself really bad,” Bee said.

Investigators are working to confirm if smoking near an oxygen tank is to blame for Tuesday’s fatal fire.

“It’s a horrible way to go and I’m so devastated,” Bee said.