Press Release

CONTACT: Joseph Steadman, PIO
(850) 413-3900

APALACHICOLA – An Apalachicola fire that claimed the lives of three residents has been ruled accidental, State Fire Marshal investigators announced today. The fire occurred February 20 at 41 Bayshore Drive.

The finding is the result of a joint investigation involving the Division of State Fire Marshal, Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations and the Franklin County Sheriff's Office. Investigators say the fire was most likely caused by an electrical failure in the living room. The home was not equipped with a smoke detector.

The fire killed Chris Tobin, 24, Kenzie Tobin, 3, and Myra Tobin, 1. Autopsies performed by the Medical Examiner's Office in Tallahassee revealed that the victims died as a result of smoke inhalation.

The Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations is the law enforcement branch of the Division of State Fire Marshal that assists other state and local law enforcement agencies in the investigation of fires of suspicious origin. Anyone with information about any suspicious fire is asked to call 1-877-662-7766 (1-877-NOARSON). Information also may be mailed to Arson Control, P.O. Box 1654, Winter Park, Fl 32790.