Fire crews found a man’s body while putting out a blaze at a North Long Beach home Wednesday morning, according to authorities.
Firefighters at Fire Station 11 smelled smoke around 6:31 a.m. and eventually found it was coming from a fire at a nearby home in the 5300 block of Pine Avenue, the Long Beach Fire Department said on Instagram.
Support facts not fear
News happens fast. In the midst of crime, disasters and other breaking news, the Long Beach Post has reporters and photographers who run to the scene to bring you reliable information. If you value this vital community resource, support it with a tax-deductible donation.
Firefighters quickly put out the blaze, according to the LBFD. But a man fire crews found while searching the home was pronounced dead at the scene, they added.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the man as Willie Donell Smith, a 54-year-old Long Beach resident.
It’s not yet clear what caused the fire, according to the LBFD. An LBFD spokesperson said no further information was available.
Editor’s note: This story was updated with the victim’s name.