Deputies initiate recovery operation following Port Charlotte house fire

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Charlotte County law enforcement is on the scene attending to a house fire that occurred in Port Charlotte.

The Charlotte County Fire Department and Sheriff’s Office responded to the house fire on Poston Avenue at around 7:07 p.m. on Monday.

An elderly couple, both in their 60s, was present inside the home, with the male being transported to a local hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation and minor burns.

According to the fire department, a female has been unaccounted for, as search efforts have transitioned to a recovery operation.

A video provided by WINK News viewer Carmen Blake shows flames could ripple through the home’s roof as dark black smoke billowed.

WINK spoke to the family of the unaccounted-for woman.

The family said their aunt is a hoarder, and most of the home is filled with flammable furniture and papers, making it very hard to make pathways through the mess.

They believe that caused this fire to constantly reignite as neighbors have watched firefighters try to put these flames out for hours.

“I’m praying that they will find her alive. No family should have to suffer that. A fire is such a devastating thing,” said neighbor Mikki Hawbaker. “I don’t know her, but she is a neighbor, and she matters. Every life matters.”

fire
CREDIT: William B Holinka

Law enforcement was at the scene Monday evening, extinguishing the fire that had fully engulfed the home.

On Tuesday, the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office began investigating the home’s perimeter, placing yellow crime scene tape before canvassing the area.

According to the sheriff’s office, the woman had disabilities, and multiple walkers were found inside the home.

Early investigation of the fire shows that the cause was accidental.

The scene remains under investigation.

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