BRADFORD COUNTY, Fla. – A Bradford County family is remembering a 76-year-old woman who was killed after an explosion and house fire Monday.
Her daughter, Tracy Lamb, said that she first learned something was wrong when her mother’s neighbor called.
“He said, ‘Tracy, your mama’s house is on fire. It’s up in flames. I’ve already called 9-1-1, but I can’t find her,’” Lamb said.
Lamb said she and her husband rushed toward the property.
“We can see smoke billowing,” she said. The sky was lit up in the flames."
Firefighters said the house fire also involved an an explosion. Initial reports indicated oxygen tanks were inside the home. First responders confirmed Tuesday morning that one person was found dead inside the home.
Two firefighters were hurt in a secondary explosion, officials said. One was treated at the scene and the other was taken to a hospital. Neither injury was considered life-threatening.
Lamb said they learned Thursday morning that her uncle, Jesse Keene, who lived at the home and was in hospice care had also passed away.
She said as they face the long road ahead, she will always remember her mom’s attitude.
“Oh, goodness. A firecracker,” Lamb said. “Very tiny, but very, very spunky. Very spirited.”
Lamb said her mother loved being outside and staying active — working in the yard, gardening and keeping busy.
“She never, she never stopped,” Lamb said. “If she was hurting, she just kept going.”
Lamb said her mother also loved music and dancing.
“If we had any type of a party or a wedding or event, she was on the dance floor all night,” she said.
Lamb said support from friends, family and neighbors has helped as they grieve.
“It’s been just touching,” she said. “It means a great deal that everybody has reached out. If it weren’t for all of the love and support and calls and people bringing food, then I couldn’t get through this.”
The family has created a GoFundMe to help with funeral expenses and cleanup efforts.
“Your support will help us honor our loved one and begin to recover from this tragedy,” the GoFundMe states. “All prayers and any support are greatly appreciated in this time of tragedy and loss.”