Tragic fire claims life in Dayton

DAYTON —  A building fire has claimed the life of a man who was unable to escape the structure Monday morning. 

Emergency responders from the Dayton Volunteer Fire Department and Dayton Police Department were dispatched to the fire on CR 607 near Dayton Electric Co. after a neighbor called to report the structure fire.  

"Attempts were made to make entry but were unsuccessful due to the intense heat and smoke from the fully engulfed home.  The Fire Department extinguished the fire and later found human remains inside the home," said Chief Derek Woods. 

It is believed that Randy Dejohn, 56, was trapped in the house and unable to escape the blaze and tragically lost his life as a result. 

Dejohn is known by many throughout the community as a kind soul, always greeting folks with a smile. He worked for many years at the old Norcross Grocery and, in recent years, at Brookshire Brothers in Dayton. 

Liberty County Pct. 4 Justice of the Peace Larry Wilburn was called to the scene for an inquest and Sterling Funeral Home uplifted the remains. 

"The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and human remains were sent to the Jefferson County Medical Examiner's Office for confirmation of identity and cause of death," Woods said. 

DVFD was assisted by the 321 Volunteer Fire Department, Kenefick Volunteer Fire Department, West Lake Volunteer Fire Department, and The Liberty County Fire Marshal's Office.