ST ANN, Jamaica— The body of a 95-year-old man was found among ash and rubble after his house was destroyed by fire in Buxton, Alexandria, St Ann on Wednesday evening.

The deceased has been identified as Salomon Campbell.

Police report that they were alerted to the incident around 7:51 pm.

The lawmen stated that when they arrived on the scene, the four-bedroom dwelling was destroyed.

It is reported that Campbell’s remains were found following cooling-down operations by firefighters.

Gloria McBean, a resident of the area, said that the community is dismayed by the incident.

She said the elderly man, who was close to his 100th birthday, was a respected individual.

“A Maas Salman me call him, and me not going to lie to you, me feel it, me feel it bad. He was a very respectable man ,trust me. I didn’t even know he was that age, wow, he lived very long. It’s sad how he went out. Me just hope the family can find comfort at this time,” she said.

“I don’t how the fire started but whatever way it did it ended badly. I pray the firefighters can find the source of the fire and if is even send out something to citizens to say don’t do this at home,” she added.

Mark Hudson, another resident of the community, also shared his condolences to the family and friends of Campbell.

“A the smoke me see from up my side and me a say a wonder where that a come from, but I wasn’t really paying it any mind until me see the crowd and then me get the news. It really sad and the community feel this. Right now, mi  just a say condolences to the family and loved ones,” he said.

He expressed hope that as the summer period approaches and with the ongoing drought residents will be extremely careful with fires.

“Me no know how the fire start and me not blaming no one but me a hope say this fire can raise some level of awareness in the community about fire safety, cause right now the time well dry with the drought and shortage of water and thing so people have to know say them have to extra careful,” he said.

In the meantime, the Fire Brigade is investigating the cause of the blaze and the estimated value of the damage.