QUINCY, FL — A tragic late-night fire in Quincy has claimed the life of 92-year-old Serina Lofton, leaving the tight-knit Florida Panhandle community in mourning. According to the Quincy Fire Department, the blaze erupted Monday night in the 800 block of West Clark Street, engulfing a single-family home in flames before emergency crews could bring it under control.
Firefighters arrived shortly after 9:15 p.m. to find the residence fully ablaze. Despite their immediate response, the intensity of the fire made entry impossible until crews had subdued much of the inferno. When firefighters were finally able to search the structure, they discovered Ms. Lofton’s body inside.
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Fire officials said no other injuries were reported, but the loss has left neighbors and first responders shaken. Crews remained on the scene for roughly four hours, navigating dangerous conditions of collapsing debris, dense smoke, and lingering hotspots.
“The flames were visible from several blocks away,” one nearby resident said. “Everyone was praying someone would make it out. Ms. Lofton had lived there for decades — she was like family to all of us.”
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with the Quincy Fire Department working alongside local and state authorities to determine what sparked the deadly blaze. Early reports indicate no immediate signs of foul play, but officials have not ruled out any possibilities as the investigation continues.
Known affectionately in her neighborhood, Serina Lofton was remembered as a gentle and resilient soul — a woman whose nine decades in Quincy reflected a life filled with family, faith, and community connection.
“Miss Serina was part of the fabric of this neighborhood,” said one longtime neighbor. “She had a smile and story for everyone who stopped by her porch. It’s heartbreaking to lose her this way.”
As word of her passing spreads, community members are organizing vigils and gatherings to honor her life and offer comfort to her family.
While the flames have been extinguished, the sorrow they left behind endures. The tragedy has renewed local discussions about fire safety and senior protection, particularly for older residents living alone.
For now, Quincy grieves a woman who represented its history, kindness, and quiet strength. Serina Lofton’s memory will live on in the hearts of neighbors and friends who watched over her, just as she watched over them for generations.