Fatal Toccoa fire being investigated by Georgia Fire Commission

The fatal fire that claimed the life of a Toccoa man is under investigation.

Shortly after 2:30 A.M. Tuesday morning, Big Smith Fire Department responded to a residential fire located at 3494 Oak Valley Road, Lot #28, in Toccoa.

When emergency personnel made their way inside the camper, they found the body of who they believe to be Richard Broker, 80, of Toccoa.

According to Safety Fire Commissioner John King, the 27-foot camper was parked at the Toccoa RV Park when the fire occurred.

King says at this time, careless smoking cannot be eliminated as the cause.

The suspected victim was on oxygen and was known to be a heavy smoker.

The body of the deceased was sent to the GBI Crime Lab for autopsy and positive identification.

However, due to the condition of the body, further tests are to be conducted before an exact identification is made.

Investigators with the Safety Fire Commissioner’s Office are assisting the Big Smith Volunteer Fire Department, Stephens County Coroner’s Office, and Stephens County Sheriff’s Office with this investigation.

In 2019, Georgia fires have claimed the lives of 60 individuals.

WNEG News will continue to follow this story and bring you additional details as they become available.