68-year-old man, 2 dogs killed in Trotwood house fire on Azalea Drive

A 68-year-old man and two dogs were victims in a fatal fire that occurred in Trotwood Monday afternoon.

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A primary search of the single-story residence revealed that Eugene Bennett was in one of the bedrooms of the home and the two dogs were underneath a bed in a back bedroom.

Trotwood Fire Department responded to the home in the 1600 block of Azalea Drive around 4:50 p.m. after reports of heavy smoke and flames coming from the structure.

Fire Chief Richard Haacke said the fatalities could have been prevented had there been working smoke detectors in the home.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation with assistance from a state fire marshal’s investigator.

Bennett’s family members identified him as the brother of the homeowner.

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