Fatal East Savannah house fire under investigation

SAVANNAH, GA (WTOC) - Savannah Fire and Emergency Services investigators are looking into the cause of an early morning fatal house fire on the city's east side.

Savannah Fire officials say fire crews were dispatched to 2111 South Fernwood Drive just after 12:25 a.m. Friday and encountered heavy smoke and flames in the rear of the home. Firefighters had to force entry into the home in order to attack the flames, which they say had consumed a portion of the rear of the one story home, including the kitchen and back porch areas.

After the fire was out, firefighters discovered a male victim deceased on the back porch of the home. At this time, officials say it is unknown if the victim was inside the home at the time of the fire or if he was outside the structure when the flames erupted.

SFES investigators say the victim suffered some burn injuries but the cause of death is still undetermined. An autopsy will be scheduled to determine the exact cause of death.

SFES thoroughly went over the scene and although they say they do not believe the fire is suspicious in nature, they will continue their investigation to determine the cause and point of origin for the fire.

Most of the damage was to the interior and back of the home.

A neighbor tells us an elderly man lives in the home and was not in the best health. They said people would come by from time to time to check on him.

"He was very nice and cordial, and he's the only person I've ever said 'Hi' to in the neighborhood because I've been here such a short time, but it's a shame regardless. Can't believe it...kind of a sad day...very sad day," said George Helmekn.

"I just saw them occasionally as I would come next door to where my wife grew up, and we'd just wave back and forth over the fence. They were always nice and polite to everybody," said Richard Towns.

The identity of the deceased male has not yet been released.

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