PLANTATION, FLA. (WSVN) - A fire claimed the life of a Plantation man after hurricane reinforcements in his home prevented him from escaping, officials said.
The fire broke out at a home along the 300 block of Southwest 55th Terrace, just before midnight on Saturday.
Investigators identified the victim as Wade Caldwell.
“He was just a very kind man and caring, and it’s such a tragedy,” said neighbor Sara Reynolds.
Neighbors said Caldwell was an integral part of the neighborhood and will be greatly missed.
“He was a great neighbor. I mean, exactly what you’d want when you move into a neighborhood,” Reynolds said.
Officials said the doors and windows of the home were boarded up, which made it difficult for firefighters to reach the victim.
Cellphone video showed the home completely destroyed by the fire.
Neighbors said Caldwell boarded up his home in preparation for the hurricane season. He was unable to escape the flames as his only exit, unfortunately, was where the fire began.
“Unfortunately, with hurricane season, people put plywood up on their windows because, you know, we did have a scare,” said neighbor Sara Reynolds. “He just never got around to removing it, and, unfortunately, had blocked every exit but one which was where the fire started, so he trapped himself inside.”
Caldwell lived in the home for many years. His parents had lived there previously.
“You live in a house your entire life. I mean, it was his parents’ house, and then it was his house, but I wouldn’t think it would be fair to call him a hoarder,” Reynolds said. “Did he have a lot of stuff? Yes. Was he like that show where it’s dirty and stuff? No way.”
Friends said Caldwell was a photographer, and he was out and about in the neighborhood often.
“He will be missed by the whole neighborhood. I mean, he was like a very strong presence on this block,” Reynolds said.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
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