Hoarder dies in Davie fire

A woman was killed in an early-morning fire Saturday inside a Davie home that appeared to be that of a hoarder, authorities said. The home was full of debris and piles of newspapers.

The fire broke out about 6:45 a.m. in the 8000 block of Southwest 19th Court. Neighbors called 911 once they noticed smoke emanating from the woman's home, Davie Police Capt. Dale Engle said.

Davie firefighters extinguished the blaze and found the unidentified woman — believed to be in her 60s — dead near the front door, he said.

"It appears she was overcome by smoke and unable to exit the residence," Engle said.

Officials have not released the victim's identity, as they are still trying to reach next of kin. Engle estimated the stacks of newspapers and junk lying inside the home to have been about 3 feet tall.

The clutter had to be cleared to make way for K-9 police dogs, brought in to search for accelerants. However, no foul play is suspected in the fire, which is believed to have originated in the living room, the captain said.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.