A 49-year-old Emporia man is dead following a home fire Sunday afternoon at his home, 1024 Weaver St.
Bruce Neill, 49, was at home when a fire broke out Sunday. Fire crews were dispatched to the fire at 12:32 p.m. An ambulance, two fire engines, shift commander vehicle and county tanker arrived on scene to find heavy smoke coming from the home, said Steve Rhoads, Emporia Fire Department investigator.
“There were no flames showing, just a heavy smoke,” Rhoads said.
Neill was found inside the home, Rhoads said. Fire crews used thermal imaging cameras to locate Neill.
Rhoads said the fire originated in the kitchen area.
“There is really no evidence that there was anything cooking,” he said. “There was a pan on the stove. We believe it was the pan on the stove.”
Rhoads said the fire is estimated at around $80,000 in damage. Nobody else was in the home at the time of the fire. Rhoads said fire crews were on scene for around 4 to 4 1/2 hours.
Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home is in charge of the funeral arrangements for Neill. Funeral services will be announced by the funeral home. A short announcement is on Page 2 of today’s Emporia Gazette.
The investigation on the fire is continuing and more information will be released as it becomes available.