> 4 people killed in Plant City house fire 'intentionally' set, deputies say
4 people killed in Plant City house fire 'intentionally' set, deputies say
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A man is facing multiple charges, including murder and arson, after deputies said he "intentionally" set a home in Plant City on fire, resulting in the death of four people.
Shawn Gossett, 25, reportedly lived at the mobile home located on S County Line Road between M L Sanders Way and Forestview Drive, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said.
Just after midnight Wednesday, deputies said they got a call about a possible fire at the location.
Hillsborough County Fire Rescue spokesperson Danny Alvarez said one person inside the home called 911 reporting smoke in the house, saying they and others were trapped inside with no way out.
In an update Wednesday afternoon, Chief Deputy Joseph Maurer said Gossett admitted he started the blaze by using a BIC lighter to set paper towels on fire. Gossett was able to get out of the home and was not hurt by the fire, Maurer said.
When fire crews arrived minutes later, they found the home engulfed in flames.
Working quickly, firefighters were able to make their way inside the home. Within minutes, crews managed to get all four people out of the home through a bedroom window, Alvarez said.
Unfortunately, all four people died at the scene.
"Obviously, our senses are heightened," he said. "We know there's people in serious need and serious trouble. Firefighting takes a back seat and we made entry trying to find them, locate them. And we did and were able to get them out of a bedroom window. Unfortunately, they did not make it."
Alvarez confirmed to 10 Tampa Bay the 911 caller said five dogs were also in the home. The sheriff's office later clarified three dogs were found dead as a result of the fire.
MORE: https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/hillsboroughcounty/plant-city-deadly-house-fire-county-line-road/67-d7f02a9a-6ede-4b2a-8719-f80db573c584
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