Independent Newsmedia
Glendale officials are investigating after two men died from injuries in a house fire.
Around 3 a.m. Tuesday, April 7, the Glendale Fire Department responded to reports of a house fire near 55th and Olive avenues. Neighbors reported one elderly man and another resident were still inside the home at the time of the fire.
Firefighters arrived on scene and found heavy smoke and flames. Due to the initial report, crews made an aggressive entry into the home to initiate a search for possible victims. As they entered the home they were met with extreme heat and smoke, according to a release.
The first victim, Stephen Skuba, 66, was found and removed from the fire. Both fire and Maricopa ambulance crews immediately began treatment on Mr. Skuba, but he was pronounced dead.
The fire was upgraded to a first alarm to assist with the firefight and treatment. A ladder crew made their way into a room to ventilate. Officials found a second person and removed him from the home. He was identified as Robert Skuba, 29. He was treated and transported in critical condition where he later died.
An official cause has not been determined, but initial reports indicate an electrical issue. Due to the block construction of the home, officials said it may be difficult to be sure of the cause.
Officials said there were no working smoke detectors in the home.