Man Dead in Dania Beach Home Fire

A man was killed in a house fire in Dania Beach on Wednesday.

Friends identified the man as Tad Vaughn, and authorities said they believe he killed himself.

"I was standing in front of his house before the fire department got here," neighbor Gloria Lawson said. "I had no idea there was such danger, imminent danger."

Outside the front and back doors, numerous propane tanks were found. If Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue didn't respond as fast as it did, there could have been multiple explosions, authorities said.

"It would be a very catastrophic event," said neighbor and firefighter Bob Carpenter. "There would be shrapnel. There would be flying metal from the container failing itself. The fire ball would be substantial."

Authorities spent the day at the home on northwest 7th Street collecting evidence from inside and outside. Firearms and cases after cases of ammunition were brought out hours later. That ammunition also could've fired off in the blaze.

"He could've taken many of us out," Lawson said. "This whole neighborhood. The surrounding houses could've gone."

Neighbors said the man was supposed to vacate his home Wednesday because it was in foreclosure and was just sold in a short sale.

In a mailbox across the street, one neighbor said a letter from the victim was found. Part of it referenced some kind of fire or explosion. It's what could have happened if authorities didn't arrive in time.