Fire crews have begun recovery operations for a missing woman after the roof collapsed during a house fire that sent a man to the hospital and destroyed a Port Charlotte home Monday night.
According to a Charlotte County spokesman, the woman is believed to have had mobility issues.
NBC2 crews on the scene reported that deputies blocked off the road at Poston Avenue and Pellam Boulevard as firefighters worked to ensure the flames didn't reignite.
Smoke continues to rise from the house, where the roof collapsed during the blaze .
Crews are focusing their efforts on locating the missing woman. They confirmed that a man was taken to the hospital with injuries.
Neighbors captured video of the fire when it first erupted, showing intense flames and thick black smoke.
Family members of the homeowner expressed concern and hope for their loved ones' safety.
“That is my great aunt’s house, and we haven’t heard anything from her,” said Kai Cantasano, a family member. “We have a very large extended family. Everyone’s been calling her new number, but nobody can get ahold of her or find out if she was inside the house.”
The Fire Marshal said they considered the home to be a hoarder home. Along with the significant number of items inside, the roof, equipped with solar panels, collapsed into the structure.
Crews said the accumulation of belongings contributed to the intensity of the fire, which reignited multiple times throughout the night.
The state fire marshal is investigating the cause of the fire.
NBC2 will continue providing updates throughout the morning as more information becomes available.
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