An elderly man was found dead inside an accessory dwelling unit that caught fire early Saturday in Muscoy, authorities said.
Before 2 a.m., dispatchers received multiple calls for a house and backyard on fire on the 2800 block of North State Street, according to a social media post by the San Bernardino County Fire Department.
Firefighters reported heavy smoke and flames coming from behind a single-story single-family home and were informed that an elderly man lived in an ADU at the back of the property.
Due to the fire engulfing the ADU, fire crews weren’t able to conduct a search until the fire was knocked down. They then discovered the body of Salvador Esparza, 92, inside, according to the social media post and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
An autopsy will be conducted to determine his cause of death.
Twenty-four firefighters in total were dispatched to the scene. They contained the fire without any injuries to fire personnel.
The property damage is estimated to be around $350,000.
The cause of the fire was under investigation by the San Bernardino County Fire Office of the Fire Marshal in coordination with the sheriff’s department.
In the social media post, the county fire department included a reminder about the importance of having working smoke alarms in every living space. “These alarms are critical in providing early warning and saving lives.”
Anyone with information on the case was asked to contact the sheriff’s Bombs/Arson Division at (909) 890-4840. Callers wishing to remain anonymous should contact We-Tip at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or go to wetip.com
