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Elderly man dies trying to fight house fire
1203 Effingham MFH Fire
An accidental fire swept through this mobile home Monday night, resulting in the death of William Henry Roper Sr. - photo by Photo courtesy State Insurance Commissioner's Office
State investigators have ruled a fire that killed a north Effingham County man Monday night as accidental.
 
William Henry Roper Jr., 71, was killed in the blaze that destroyed his home in the 600 block of Ingram Road. The fire apparently was caused by an electrical problem inside the home, according to the state Department of Insurance.
 
At approximately 7:30 p.m. Monday, Effingham County Fire and Rescue personnel and sheriff’s deputies were sent to the double-wide mobile home on the report of a structure fire.
 
Roper, his wife, their son and three grandchildren escaped the fire, but Roper tried to fight the fire, grabbing a garden hose and re-entering the home.
 
After the fire was under control, deputies and firefighters located a body inside of the residence. 
 
The Red Cross is providing immediate emergency housing, clothing, food, essential medicines and counseling to the family. 
 
The home has been declared a total loss by the Insurance Commissioner.