NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — A 74-year-old man died in an early morning house fire in Donelson that investigators now believe was accidental.
Nashville Fire Department crews responded just after 2 a.m. Friday to a home in the 3100 block of Hunters Hill Road. Firefighters arrived to find the residence heavily engulfed in fire and smoke.
According to the Metro Nashville Police Department, the victim lived in the home with his 71-year-old brother-in-law.
Investigators said the brother-in-law told police and fire officials he was sitting on the home's screened-in back porch during the 2 a.m. hour when he decided to start a fire because he was cold. He said he used charcoal fluid and a lighter to ignite small blocks of hickory wood.
The man told investigators the fire quickly got out of control, spreading to the porch ceiling and then to the home.
When firefighters arrived, the surviving occupant was outside and told crews another person might still be inside the residence. Firefighters began an interior attack and search operation, locating the victim a few feet inside the home's back door.
The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy is pending.
The 71-year-old man was treated for smoke inhalation and minor burns. He was transported to a hospital for evaluation.
Two firefighters were also taken for medical evaluation after experiencing elevated heart rates. Neither suffered fire-related injuries.
The home sustained significant damage and is considered a total loss.
MNPD and Nashville Fire investigators are continuing their investigation, but police said the fire-related death is currently being investigated as accidental.
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