Redding Fire Crews Respond to Fire, Victim ID, Cause Released

Officials identified the male found deceased in a house fire in Bethel on June 4.

The deceased male was identified as Edward Bruce, 56, the sole occupant of the home on 43 Castle Hill Drive, according to Fire Marshal Thomas Gailford.

After a preliminary investigation, Bruce’s cause of death was determined to be smoke inhalation and thermal burns, fire officials said. His manner of death is pending further studies.

According to fire officials, the cause of the fire was determined to be incendiary in nature, meaning it was a purposefully set fire. Officials are still investigating the motive for setting the fire.

Bethel Police are not looking for anyone in connection with the fire and there is no threat to public safety as a result of this incident, officials said.

Crews from Brookfield, Redding and West Redding assisted the Bethel Fire and Police Departments in responding to the structure fire.

Image via Bethel PD