Malabar home destroyed by fire, officials say

Smoke seen from I-95

Image courtesy Florida Today.

MALABAR, Fla. – Flames swept through a two-story home Sunday morning off of Weber Road in Malabar, sending skyward a plume of brown smoke visible from Interstate 95, News 6 partner Florida Today reported.

The fire was reported about 10:25 a.m. The home is at the Atz Road intersection, roughly one mile south of Malabar Road.

Recommended Videos



"My neighbor heard three or four booms. They sounded like a dump truck bed slamming. Next thing you know, it went up in flames," Atz Road resident Dave Harding said.

The single-family home was rendered a total loss, Malabar Fire Chief Leonard Thomassen said Sunday afternoon, according to Florida Today.

By the time Malabar's first fire engine arrived — six minutes after the fire was reported — the structure was already fully involved in flames, Thomassen said. Facing "extreme fire and heat," firefighters brought the blaze under control in 55 minutes, he said.

Thomassen declined further comment, citing the State Fire Marshal's Office's ongoing investigation.

Palm Bay Fire Rescue and Brevard County Fire Rescue personnel also responded to the scene.

The Brevard County Sheriff's Office told News 6 that a death investigation was underway, as they know of at least one person who was in the home.

Deputies said fire officials have been unable to conduct a further search because of how unstable the home was following the fire.

No other details were available. Stay with News 6 and ClickOrlando.com for updates on this developing story.


Recommended Videos