PALM BAY, Fla. – A 10-year-old boy and an elderly woman were killed early Monday in a Palm Bay house fire.
The fire was reported around 2:20 a.m. in the 500 block of Janus Road NE.
Palm Bay Fire Rescue said the house was “90% involved with heavy fire conditions,” and firefighters found a woman outside the home who said two others were trapped inside.
By the time firefighters arrived, the roof had collapsed and the structure was largely consumed by fire, Palm Bay Assistant Fire Chief John Ringleb said. Fire officials said an elderly woman and the 10-year-old died in the fire.
“When somebody that young passes away, it’s just devastating,” said Michelle, a neighbor who lives nearby.
Ringleb said the extent of the damage suggests the fire may have been burning for some time before it was reported.
“They tried the front door, the back door, the windows,” Ringleb said. “The fire was just too big and too massive to be able to get into the home.”
Ringleb said the home contained a large number of accumulated items, including collectibles and sentimental belongings, which may have contributed to the fire’s rapid spread.
As crews examined the damage, officials noted that only a small portion of the roof remained intact on one side of the home — an area believed to have been one of the coolest points during the fire.
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“This is the only part of the house that still has a roof attached,” Ringleb said. “But just on the other side of this wall, there was heavy fire involvement. The garage door came down and all the contents collapsed.”
Ringleb said the call was hard for first responders, who knew people were trapped inside but could not reach them.
“This has got a lot of layers to it,” he said. “From a boots-on-the-ground, first-responder aspect, it’s very, very difficult knowing they just weren’t able to do their job.”
Neighbors said the boy, identified by neighbors as Noah, was well-known on the street and often seen riding his bike and playing outside. Several residents who declined to go on camera said they are struggling to process the loss.
The woman outside the home was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation and taken to Health First Medical Center.
A GoFundMe was set up for the boy’s funeral expenses and to help his mother. Click here to donate.
Following the incident, Palm Bay Fire Rescue activated its Peer Support Team to assist responders and family members. The department’s Chaplain Team, along with the American Red Cross, also responded to provide support to those affected.
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“Palm Bay Fire Rescue wishes to extend its deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones impacted by this tragic loss,” the agency said.
Palm Bay Fire Rescue was assisted on scene by the Palm Bay Police Department and Brevard County Fire Rescue. The Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office is currently conducting an investigation to determine the cause of the fire.
No injuries were reported among responding personnel.