One person was killed and another was injured early Monday in a mobile home fire in Odessa.
According to officials, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue responded just after 6 a.m. to a fire in the Silver Dollar Golf/Trap and RV Resort.
The firefighters found flames shooting through the roof of the double wide mobile home when they arrived and were also notified of a possible person still inside the home.
Crews immediately started search and rescue operations inside the home and firefighters located that person in the home. The person was found dead.
The 1-alarm fire destroyed the mobile home and caused damage to the outside of the neighboring homes.
During the fire, paramedics at the scene were notified of a person at a home across the street that needed medical attention. That person was taken to an hospital and their condition is improving, according to officials.
Officials have not released information on the people impacted or how the fire started.
An investigation will take place into what started the fire.
Approximately 11 million people live in mobile homes across the United States. On average 22,000 fires occur in mobile homes each year, killing 500 people and injuring another 1,000. Sadly, we see more fire deaths in mobile homes each year. In fact, fire death rates for mobile homes are twice those in other types of houses. The main culprit of mobile home fires is electrical and heating equipment.
If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a mobile home fire, you may be able to file an injury or wrongful death claim against the manufacturer for various defects. Some of the most common defects involve the following:
- Smoke detectors
- Egress doors and windows
- Interior wall and ceiling covering materials
- Plastic tub/shower fixtures
- Draftstops
- Appliances and electrical
If you or a family member have been the victim of a serious mobile home fire, our Hillsborough County Injury & Wrongful Death Lawyers at Whittel & Melton can help. Call us today at 727-823-0000 or contact us online for a free consultation.