A raging house fire killed a 92-year-old resident in San Bernardino County on Saturday morning, officials confirmed.
Multiple calls for a house and backyard up in flames came into the San Bernardino County Fire dispatch center just before 2 a.m., the department said in a statement posted to X.
Crews responded to the violent fire engulfing a home on the 2800 block of North State Street in Muscoy.
Upon arriving, heavy smoke and flames were found coming from behind a single-story, single-family home.
In addition, firefighters learned that an elderly man lived in an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) at the back of the property.
However, crews could not initially conduct a search due to intense fire conditions and “heavy fire engulfing the ADU,” the department said.
Footage from the scene showed crews battling flames jumping roughly 15-20 feet high, burning multiple sheds, vehicles and surrounding debris.
“Once the fire was knocked down, crews discovered the body of a 92-year-old male inside,” the department said. “Sadly, he was pronounced deceased at the scene.”
The victim was later identified as Salvador Esparza.
Officials added that the estimated property damage was about $350,000.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
