By Debbie Carson, Online Editor
SEBASTIAN — Bingo is back on for about 100 members at the Sebastian Elks Lodge on S. Fleming Street after the building was evacuated due to a fire next door at the Seawinds Funeral Home and Crematory, officials said.
“That was exaggerated,” Fire Chief Brian Nolan said of the Elks Lodge’s evacuation, noting that while they helped to evacuate the building, it wasn’t necessary.
Nolan said that the fire is mostly out and crews are working to establish a few remaining hot spots before they can get to work determing the cause of the fire.
“It’s still hot, no matter how much water” is put on it, Nolan said.
The fire started in the crematory, which is a detached building from the funeral home. Nolan said one body was in the crematory’s oven and three others were waiting.
Fire Rescue officials are also working to identify the bodies within the crematory before relocating them to ensure that they are accounted for.
“They have loved ones,” Nolan said of the deceased.
There were no injuries reported from the blaze and the fire was contained to only the crematory.
This article will be updated as more information becomes available.
