Clearwater Fire and Rescue along firefighters from surrounding communities are currently onscene of a structure fire at a single family residence.
The call for service was reported from a home at 1200 Claire Drive for a working fire at approximately 7:58 a.m. on Monday, October 18, 2021.
Fire department personnel found an adult male fire victim and provided medical care at the scene. According to the City, the patient was transported to a local hospital in critical condition. He later died at the hospital.
The victim was identified as 91 year-old Thomas Banes. Investigators determined that the fire started in a back bedroom and was caused by a lit cigarette in a garbage can.
Three dogs were also removed from the home and their conditions are not know at this time.
The American Red Cross was requested to assist the other residents of the home.
The fire was extinguished at approximately 8:15 a.m.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office was notified of the incident.