On February 25, Escambia County Fire Rescue responded to a residential structure fire in the 800 block of Merlin Terrace. At about 8:20 p.m., emergency communications received a report of a house fire with one person trapped inside. Crews arrived to discover a single-story residence engulfed in flames and smoke. While battling the fire, firefighters carried out search and rescue efforts.

A roof collapse during the incident made efforts more difficult. One victim was later discovered dead in the garage area and taken from the building. The fire was brought under control at 10:06 p.m. No firefighters were injured. The home was declared a total loss. The Escambia County Sheriff's Office assisted, and the Florida Bureau of Fire, Arson and Explosives is investigating the cause.