Authorities in Plant City say that a resident of the house is suspected of intentionally igniting the fire, which resulted in the deaths of four individuals early on Wednesday morning.
At 12:09 a.m., Hillsborough County Fire Rescue received a 911 call regarding a fire at a house on South County Line Road in Plant City. Three persons and five pets were reportedly trapped when the homeowner reported seeing smoke and flames coming from within the house.
According to HCFR, when deputies arrived, they discovered four bodies at the location.
About eight minutes after being dispatched, according to fire officials, the first unit arrived at the residence and reported a working fire in a property approximately 100 yards off the main road. First responders could see smoke and flames even from the main road, according to Hillsborough County Fire Rescue’s Danny Alvarez.
According to HCFR, three victims were found and taken out of the house through a bedroom window in less than five minutes. Alvarez claims that the three victims were discovered quite close to one another.
He remarked that it’s regrettable and uncommon to witness people trapped inside a burning building with no way out.
“To be honest with you, it’s not that common when there’s a fire and people don’t have a secondary means of egress,” Alvarez stated. “But it goes without saying that when a 911 call is placed and the caller reports being trapped, our senses are alerted and we react quickly. Life safety is our top priority, and we’re trying extremely hard to reach those individuals.”
According to HCFR officials, personnel managed to put out the fire in less than 20 minutes after the victims were evacuated.
At the site, three canines and four individuals passed away. There was no recorded injury to firefighters.
Subsequent to the fire, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office declared that they had taken into custody 25-year-old Shawn Gossett, who they claimed resided on the same land as the burned-out house. Gossett reportedly acknowledged to investigators that he sparked the fatal fire on purpose.
Detectives detained and charged Gosset with four counts of first-degree murder while engaging in arson, three counts of severe animal cruelty, and one case of arson of a dwelling after conducting an investigation.
Residents are urged by Hillsborough County Fire Rescue to make sure their home’s smoke detectors are in operational condition and have fresh batteries. Additionally, they advise people to prepare a fire plan in case of an emergency.
Source: Fox News