Man arrested for murder after four people killed in Plant City house fire: HCSO

PLANT CITY, Fla. - Four people were killed in a house fire in Plant City early Wednesday morning and a resident of the home is accused of purposely starting the fire, according to authorities. 

Hillsborough County Fire Rescue responded to a fire at a home along South County Line Road in Plant City after receiving a 911 call at 12:09 a.m. The homeowner reported smoke and flames from inside the home, saying three adults and five dogs were trapped.

Deputies arrived to find four people dead at the scene, according to HCFR. 

Fire officials say the first unit arrived at the home about eight minutes after being dispatched and reported a working fire in a house about 100 yards from the main road. Danny Alvarez with the Hillsborough County Fire Rescue said that even from the main road, first responders could see smoke and flames.

Within five minutes, HCFR says three victims were located and removed from the home through a bedroom window. According to Alvarez, those three victims were found pretty clustered together.

He said it's unfortunate and unusual to see people have no route of escape from the structure in a fire.  

"To be honest with you, it's not that common when there's a fire and people don't have a secondary means of egress," Alvarez said. "But obviously, when a 911 call comes in, and they're stating that they are trapped, our senses are heightened and we're on the go. Our priority is life safety and working very hard to get to those victims."

After the victims were removed, HCFR officials say crews were able to get the fire under control within 20 minutes. 

Four victims and three dogs died at the scene. No firefighter injuries were reported. 

Later that afternoon, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office announced deputies arrested Shawn Gossett, 25, who deputies said lives on the same property as the home that burned down. Investigators said Gossett admitted he intentionally started the deadly fire.

Based on the investigation, detectives arrested and charged Gosset with four counts of murder in the first degree while engaged in arson, three counts of aggravated cruelty to animals, and one count of arson of a dwelling.

"This is an utterly senseless and horrific crime where four innocent lives were tragically taken due to the evil actions of this man," said Sheriff Chad Chronister in a statement. "I want to commend our detectives and our partners at Hillsborough County Fire Rescue for their swift actions which resulted in the arrest of this individual and their relentless efforts to ensure justice is served."

A family friend told FOX 13 Gossett was a friend of at least two of the victims.

HCSO says they are working with the Medical Examiner's Office and Hillsborough County Fire Rescue to positively identify the victims.

"This is an immense tragedy and one that was senseless," said Chief Deputy Joseph Maurer. "Our detectives are feverishly working on the details and the motive as to why Mr. Gossett did such a thing. But just remember to keep in mind that family, keep them in your prayers, as this community suffered a tremendous tragedy."

Hillsborough County Fire Rescue reminds residents to always have working fire detectors in their homes and to make sure they have working batteries. They also remind residents to have a fire plan in the event of an emergency.

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