VENICE, Fla. -- The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office responded to Moss Lane in Venice early Saturday morning after reports of a fire.
When crews arrived on scene the home was fully engulfed. They met a man outside who said he left the house after waking up and smelling smoke.
He attempted to get to the homeowner, 84-year-old Rushie Friend, who was in a bedroom at the other side of the home but was unable to get there because of smoke. Crews attempted to also get to the woman but were unable.
The initial investigation indicates the fire started in the bedroom. The State Fire Marshall will investigate.
