Body found inside burning RV at St. Augustine business

Crews called to auto parts business after several vehicles catch fire

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – A man was found dead in a recreational vehicle Thursday night after it and several other vehicles caught fire at a business in St. Augustine, St. Johns County Fire Rescue said. 

Crews were called about 7:30 p.m. to Dixie Custom Auto Parts on Avenue A, near Lewis Speedway. When they arrived, firefighters said they found one RV heavily engulfed in flames, along with several other vehicles on fire. 

Initial crews were able to extinguish the fire and had it under control in approximately 15 minutes, SJCFR said.

Fire Rescue said one man was found dead inside the RV. No other injuries were reported.

Roger Genobar, owner of Dixie Custom Auto Parts, said he's upset about the tragic incident. He said it's not uncommon for homeless people to take shelter in the cars on his lot or sleep there for the night.

The St. Johns County Sheriff's Office said Friday that there is nothing to suggest foul play in the man's death. Investigators believe they know the man's identity but are awaiting confirmation from the medical examiner.

The cause of the fire is unknown, but investigators said they believe the man's death was accidental.

Fire Rescue, the State Fire Marshal's Office and the Sheriff's Office will be investigating the death.