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‘Big plumes' engulfed Apopka house in fire that killed 71-year-old veteran

A man was killed Wednesday morning in an Orange County house fire, officials said.
The victim, Richard Anthony Newburn, 71, was found during the initial search of the home, investigators said.
"I kind of have the same experience because a few years ago, we had the same problem with our house. We got struck by lightning and we had a house fire, so, I know what it is like to have a loss of a house," neighbor James Waye said.
Waye told Channel 9 reporter Q McCray that Newburn was a veteran who let him stay at his home after Waye’s home caught fire a few years ago.
“I seen the house across the street. I saw big plumes in the back that kind of encompassed his entire porch or bedroom, I am guessing. I am not sure, but it was pretty big,” said Waye.

APOPKA, Fla. — Neighbors said they would drive Newburn where he needed to go because he didn't have a driver's license.

The Florida Bureau of Fire and Arson is working to determine the cause of the fire.

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