BAY CITY, Texas – A 63-year-old man was found dead inside a burning home in Bay City Sunday.
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The Bay City Fire Marshal’s Office said it happened at 1216 Austin Street.
Firefighters were dispatched to the home around 7:40 a.m. Sunday and found heavy fire and smoke coming from the structure.
Neighbors who reported the fire said the 63-year-old man who lived at the home was still inside.
Firefighters started fighting the fire and searched for the man, but he was already dead when they found him inside the home.
The fire was brought under control in about 40 minutes. It caused an estimated $50,000 in damage to the home.
Family and friends identified the man who died as Charles Martin. One of Martin’s neighbors, Mary Williams, said he lived at his house alone and his nephews would often check up on him.
“Just a really friendly dude,” said Williams. “A lot of people would sit on the porch with him.”
Some of the kids in the neighborhood told KPRC 2 Martin would often give them chores in exchange for pocket change.
Because of the fatality, the Bay City Fire Marshal has requested assistance from the Texas Fire Marshal’s Office in the investigation.
Anyone with any information about the fire is asked to call the Bay City Fire Marshal at 979-318-7130.
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