Man killed in Alabama house fire was smoking while using oxygen tank, officials say
Raymond Lee Taylor, 69, died and two others were injured.
Ethan Parker 
Chilton County officials have identified the victim of a weekend house fire that resulted in a tragic loss of life and multiple injuries. Raymond Lee Taylor, 69, was confirmed as the man killed when the residence caught fire on Friday night.
Cause of the Blaze
According to Chilton County Sheriff John Shearon, the fatal incident was sparked when Taylor began smoking while actively using an oxygen tank. The fire broke out at a home in the 5000 block of County Road 76 in Clanton. Chilton County 911 received a distress call just after 8 p.m. Friday, alerting responders to a potential fire with individuals trapped inside.
Emergency Response
Volunteer fire departments, along with local law enforcement and medical personnel, rushed to the scene to conduct rescue operations. South Chilton Fire Chief Jordan Davis successfully rescued Donnie Bryant and Johnny Brown from the burning structure; both men remain in critical condition. Two other residents, a man and a woman, managed to escape the home on their own and sustained only minor injuries.
Community Appeal
Sheriff Shearon expressed his condolences regarding the event, describing it as a heartbreaking tragedy for all involved. He urged the community to keep the victims, their families, and the first responders in their thoughts and prayers.
Authorities are still working to locate family members of Raymond Lee Taylor. Any relatives or individuals with information are asked to contact the Chilton County Sheriff’s Office at 205-755-4698.
