Overnight fire in Cape Coral home claims life, destroys residence

Michael Braun, Fort Myers News-Press
·1 min read

A morning fire Tuesday at a home in southeast Cape Coral claimed a life and destroyed the residence.

The State Fire Marshal is investigating cause and origin, which has not been determined, and the Cape Coral Police Department is conducting a death investigation.

The Cape Coral Fire Department representatives said the fire was reported just after midnight and the home at 414 SE 3rd Street was engulfed.

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Fire officials said the roof collapsed as crews began their fire attack.

A morning fire at a home in southeast Cape Coral on Tuesday claimed a life and destroyed a man's home.
A morning fire at a home in southeast Cape Coral on Tuesday claimed a life and destroyed a man's home.

Firefighters put out the fire and prevented flames from extending to neighboring homes.

Fire officials said a victim was found dead in the home but has not been officially identified.

According to the Lee County Property Appraiser's website, Orville John Wahl, 78, owns the home. The 1,792-square-foot house, built in 1992-93, was recently valued at $185,826.

An aerial shot from the website shows a January 2021 view of the home with a debris-choked backyard.

An aerial shot from the Lee County Property Appraiser's website shows a January 2021 view of the 414 SE 3rd Street home that fire destroyed Tuesday morning. The owner was listed as Orville John Wahl. One person, as yet not identified, died in the blaze.
An aerial shot from the Lee County Property Appraiser's website shows a January 2021 view of the 414 SE 3rd Street home that fire destroyed Tuesday morning. The owner was listed as Orville John Wahl. One person, as yet not identified, died in the blaze.

Melissa Mickey, a public information specialist with the city of Cape Coral, confirmed there is a history of Code Enforcement cases for that address dating back to 2015 including liens and two unresolved cases.

Lee County court records show a number of liens placed on the property for several violations.

Connect with breaking news reporter Michael Braun: MichaelBraunNP (Facebook), @MichaelBraunNP (Twitter) or mbraun@news-press.com.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: One dies in southwest Cape Coral fire; code enforcement monitored home