Pensacola officials work deadly fire

PENSACOLA, Fla. (WALA) - James Law, 87, has lived on Western Way Drive in Beulah for more than 60 years. For around 40 years, he’s been friends with his neighbor next door. But officials say a fire destroyed that home.

Escambia County Fire Rescue responded around 2 a. m. on Friday and the home was fully engulfed in flames.

Officials said one person inside was killed.

“I heard the sirens blowing and sounding off. I was so surprised, I didn’t know what to think,” said Law.

Law said an elderly woman lived at the home. He said she stayed by herself ever since her husband died.

Law said while emergency responders were rushing to the house, he heard a loud explosion. He said the woman that lived there often used an oxygen tank. 

"I don’t know how to take it. We’ve got a lot of good neighbors around here. It’s just a sad situation to lose somebody you love," Law said.

The Florida State Fire Marshal's Office is investigating the fire. They have yet to release the identity of the victim.