Woman, 72, Killed In Tampa House Fire

TAMPA, FL — A Tuesday night fire that claimed the life of a 72-year-old Tampa woman was likely caused by smoking near an oxygen bottle, according to investigators.

The blaze broke out in the 1600 block of South Arrawana Avenue around 9:30 p.m. June 13. When firefighters arrived on the scene, they found flames and smoke coming from the back of the single-story home.

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The fire was brought under control by 9:55 p.m., a Wednesday morning email from fire rescue said. When rescue crews searched the home, they found the woman deceased in the room where the fire is believed to have started.

Arson Task Force investigators were called to the scene, which is protocol when a fire-related death has occurred. “Investigators determined that the fire was accidental and likely started due to smoking in the presence of bottled oxygen,” the Wednesday email said.

Tampa Police released the name of the woman shortly before noon on Wednesday. She is Constance Bess Rynder, according to the agency.

Damage caused by the fire is estimated at $40,000. No other injuries were reported.

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