Daron Steele dies in fatal Corbin house fire

Daron Steele dies in fatal Corbin house fire

Fatal Corbin house fire death of Daron Steele – Obituary

Daron Steele, 65, has been identified by the coroner’s office as the victim who lost his life in a devastating house fire in Corbin. The blaze broke out overnight and was reported by neighbors awakened by the sound of explosions.

Kimberly Wagers, who lives next door, described being jolted from sleep by a series of loud bangs. “I started panicking, I started shaking, and I couldn’t quit shaking,” she said, recalling the terrifying moments as she witnessed her neighbor’s home engulfed in flames.

Corbin Fire Department Chief Barry McDonald said the explosions were likely caused by homemade fireworks inside the residence. “It was crazy… just pop, pop, pop, all over the place,” he explained, noting the sounds could be heard miles away.

The danger escalated when Steele’s firearm collection ignited, sending shell casings flying into the street and even striking fire trucks. Chief McDonald said it created a chaotic and perilous environment for the more than 30 firefighters responding to the call.

Despite the risks, firefighters worked courageously to control the fire. “It’s very dangerous… We’ve got some dedicated men. They went right in,” McDonald stated.

Wagers expressed deep gratitude that the situation didn’t claim more lives. “I keep thinking, what if that didn’t go off? Because it was horrible. I may have never heard the fire,” she said.