House Fire in Escambia County Leaves One Dead in Perdido Key

A late-night house fire in Escambia County has left one person dead, according to local officials.

Emergency crews responded to the fatal residential fire Wednesday evening in the Perdido Key area as investigators now work to determine what caused the blaze.

According to Escambia County officials, firefighters were dispatched to the 800 block of Merlin Terrace at approximately 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 25 after reports of a house fire.

Fire crews arrived on scene and worked to extinguish the flames and search the residence.

Authorities later confirmed that one person was killed in the fire. The fatality was confirmed at around 9:10 p.m.

At this time, officials have not released:

• The identity of the victim
• Whether anyone else was inside the home
• The extent of property damage
• What may have caused the fire

It is also unclear whether any additional injuries were reported.

Fire investigators will typically examine potential causes such as electrical malfunctions, cooking-related fires, heating equipment issues, or other hazards as part of the ongoing investigation.

Residential Fires Can Turn Deadly Quickly

House fires remain one of the most dangerous residential emergencies, often spreading rapidly and producing dangerous smoke within minutes. Fire officials consistently urge residents to take safety precautions, including:

• Installing and maintaining working smoke detectors
• Having a fire escape plan for all household members
• Avoiding overloaded electrical outlets
• Keeping flammable materials away from heat sources

Early detection and quick evacuation can significantly reduce the risk of serious injury or death.

Ongoing Investigation

The Escambia County fire remains under active investigation as officials work to determine how the blaze started and whether any additional factors contributed to the fatal incident.

Authorities have not yet released further details but may provide updates as the investigation continues.