One dead after fire breaks out at Madison home

MADISON – A man is dead after a house fire in Madison on Thursday night.

According to Madison Fire Spokesperson Dan Pickens, the fire started at a home at 155 Dublin Circle.

Initial reports indicated flames had broken out inside the home.

Dispatch immediately advised neighbors not to enter the building. Flames were visible coming from the back of the residence when crews arrived on scene.

Dan Pickens with Madison Fire and Rescue said it took a few attempts to get in.

“Heavy, heavy smoke and fire upon entry to the house. They worked their way in it pushed them back out. They worked their way back in. So, it took a few attempts to get in and get it extinguished enough where our guys could get in and actually do some work,” Pickens said.

Four fire crews responded to the scene. Firefighters made entry into the home and conducted a systematic search, where they found a man dead upstairs in the hallway.

Madison County Coroner Dr. Tyler Berryhill identified the man as 87-year-old Clariss Cook on Friday.

Officials described it as a “hoarder situation,” making it hard to find Cook initially.

Neighbors and friends say Clariss always went by Bubba. His wife, Theresa, made it out of the fire safely.

It’s not clear right now if the home has working smoke detectors.

Pickens said it is life or death to make sure your smoke detectors are up and running.

“Houses without smoke detectors are 60 percent chance of dying in a house fire than those with adequate smoke detectors in their homes. If you need smoke detectors or you just want me to check them reach out to my office it’s free of charge,” Pickens said.

An autopsy is being performed at the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences in Huntsville.

Officials said the fire started on the left side of the house.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.