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Burned Body Found In Brush Fire Behind Anaheim Motel

ANAHEIM (CBSLA) – Firefighters responding to a brush fire at a homeless encampment in Anaheim discovered a burned body late Tuesday night.

Burned Body Found In Brush Fire Behind Anaheim Motel
A burned body was discovered in a brush fire behind a motel near the 91 Freeway in Anaheim, Calif. April 21, 2021. (CBSLA)

The discovery was made at around 11 p.m. behind an Extended Stay motel near the 91 Freeway and Tustin Avenue, close to the Santa Ana River.

According to Anaheim police Sgt. Shane Carringer, officers noticed the fire burning near the motel and called in Anaheim Fire & Rescue crews.

As firefighters were extinguishing the blaze, they discovered the body of a man in the burn area, Carringer said. He was not immediately identified.

Officers initially detained a person at the scene. However, investigators believe the death was likely an accident caused by a candle, Carringer later said. Investigators believe the victim may have lit a candle before falling asleep, which sparked a fire to his makeshift bed.

No one else was hurt and there were no buildings were damaged.

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