Fire marshal investigating cause of fatal Dale Co. fire

A state fire marshal is expected to continue an investigation today into a Wednesday fire that claimed the life of a Dale County man, according to authorities.

Brad Strickland, 23, of the Asbury community in Dale County, died in a fire at his residence on Dale County Road 59, north of County Road 36, early Wednesday, according to Dale County Coroner Woody Hiboldt.

The residence is between Ozark and Echo. Dale County Sheriff Wally Olson said officials did not know whether Strickland was inside the home until after the fire was extinguished.

The home was fully engulfed in flames by the time authorities reached the residence, Olson said. Olson said neighbors and a passerby dialed 911 around 3:16 a.m.

It was not immediately available what time the fire was extinguished.

“A fire marshal is currently investigating. We hope to have more information in the next couple days,” Olson said.

Authorities said the call was dispatched to Skipperville Volunteer Fire Department, but an official with the department could not be reached as of 4 p.m. on Wednesday.

Eric Blankenship of the Echo Volunteer Fire Department said multiple agencies assisted in extinguishing the fire, including Echo and Choctawhatchee volunteer fire and rescue departments.