William Shelburne Obituary, Death: Lincoln Police ID man killed in weekend house fire.
William Shelburne Obituary, Death – The Lincoln Police Department (LPD) has released the identity of the man who tragically lost his life in a house fire in northeast Lincoln late Friday night. The victim has been identified as 66-year-old William Shelburne, a resident of the city.
Authorities suspect the fire may have been caused by Shelburne smoking while using an oxygen tank, a potentially hazardous combination that has been known to result in such incidents.
Lincoln Fire & Rescue teams were dispatched to the scene just before midnight on Friday following reports of a house fire near 57th and Fremont streets. Upon arrival, responders found the home emitting smoke, with a strong smell of burning lingering in the area.
A reporter from Channel 8 News who arrived at the scene observed visible signs of the fire’s intensity. The home’s front window had been shattered, likely during firefighting efforts or due to the heat, and foam—used by firefighters to extinguish the flames—was seen running down the siding of the house.
The fire is believed to have been confined to a specific area, but details regarding its full extent or how quickly it spread have not been released. The Lincoln Fire & Rescue team worked swiftly to control the blaze and prevent further damage to the property.
Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the fire to confirm its cause. No further injuries were reported, and the incident serves as a reminder of the dangers associated with combining combustible materials with oxygen tanks.
Community members have expressed their condolences for Shelburne’s tragic passing. As investigations proceed, officials urge residents to exercise caution when using oxygen equipment and to avoid activities, such as smoking, that could increase the risk of fire.
