YCSO and several Fire agencies were on scene of a house fire in Wilhoit on Saturday. A 79-year-old woman called 911 to report her house was on fire, and that it was just she and her dog inside the residence. When YCSO arrived on scene, the house was fully engulfed. Fire personnel were not initially able to contain the fire and it jumped the road and continued to spread. The home burned to the ground, but the fire was contained, however a search of the home found an unidentified body in the rubble, presumed to be the homeowner.
YCSO and Fire Investigators processed the scene the following day and evidence at the scene seemed to indicate the fire originated from a shed at the side of the residence, spread to vegetation, and then to the home. It appeared the shed had many butane, paint and other containers consistent with flammable materials and fuels. Interviews with neighbors indicated the victim was almost 80 years old, lived alone, and appeared to have no family. She was known to have mobility difficulties. The 911 recordings indicate she was alone with her dog, and statements she made are consistent with the fire having started and then spread to the house. Efforts are still underway to make a definitive identification of the remains, and to determine a next of kin, which is proving to be quite difficult so far. Known information at this time indicates no foul play, and the cause of the fire is under investigation.
