Florida Grandmother and Grandson Killed in Palm Bay House Fire

A tragic early-morning house fire in Palm Bay claimed the lives of a 10-year-old boy and his grandmother on Monday, January 12, 2026, according to local fire officials. The devastating incident has left a family and community grieving as investigators work to determine what caused the blaze.

Palm Bay Fire Rescue responded to multiple 911 calls shortly after 2 a.m. reporting a house fire with possible occupants trapped inside. When crews arrived at the residence, they found the home nearly fully engulfed in flames and heavy smoke.

According to Palm Bay Fire Assistant Fire Chief Richard Acevedo, a woman was outside the home upon firefighters’ arrival and alerted crews that two people were still inside.

Firefighters entered the structure, but officials later confirmed that a 10-year-old boy and an elderly woman, identified by family members as grandmother and grandson, did not survive the fire. Their names have not yet been released.

Fire officials described the damage as catastrophic.

“The entire home was pretty much burned. There’s no spot that is burned more than the other,” Acevedo said. “It seemed pretty involved on all sides.”

Nearly the entire house was destroyed, making rescue efforts and subsequent investigation especially challenging.

At this time, the cause of the fire remains under investigation. Authorities have not released preliminary findings regarding whether the fire may have been caused by an electrical issue, appliance malfunction, heating source, or another factor.

Fire investigators will conduct a detailed examination of the scene, though extensive fire damage can complicate determining the origin and cause.

Residential fires remain one of the leading causes of accidental death, particularly for children and elderly individuals, who are often less able to escape quickly. Fatal house fires may involve contributing factors such as:

• Faulty or outdated electrical wiring
• Malfunctioning appliances or space heaters
• Lack of working smoke detectors
• Building code or safety violations
• Landlord or property maintenance failures

When a fire results in loss of life, families may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim under Florida law if negligence played a role.

Potential damages in a wrongful death claim may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical expenses incurred prior to death
• Mental pain and suffering of surviving family members
• Loss of companionship, guidance, and support

A thorough, independent investigation is often critical to uncovering the true cause of a fatal fire.

How Flanagan & Bodenheimer Supports Families After Fatal Fires

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families who have lost loved ones in fatal house fires and other catastrophic accidents across Florida.

We intentionally maintain a small caseload, allowing families to work directly with experienced attorneys who take the time to fully investigate each case. Our firm can:

• Conduct an independent fire and safety investigation
• Work with fire origin and cause experts
• Review building codes, inspection records, and maintenance histories
• Identify responsible parties and available insurance coverage
• Handle all communications with insurers and investigators

Families pay nothing upfront. We only recover fees if we recover compensation.

If your loved one was killed in a house fire or other preventable tragedy, you do not have to face this process alone.

📞 Contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm for a free, confidential consultation. We represent families throughout Brevard County, Palm Bay, and across Florida.