Firehouse.com

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Feb. 2--BIG SPRING In a cruel twist of fate, volunteer firefighter Zach Johnson was the first to respond to an early morning blaze that may have claimed the life of his 61-year-old father. Ronald E. Robey, 61, who according to friends was on home hospice, was pronounced dead at the scene Monday in his mobile home north of Big Spring by Justice of the Peace Benny Green.

Given Robey's deteriorating health, officials said it was not immediately clear whether Robey died before or during the fire. Green said he has ordered an autopsy.

"It's quite evident what happened," Green said, referring to the cause of the fire. "I just wanted to make sure everything's covered."

Tommy Sullivan, the Howard County Volunteer Fire Department chief, said battalion chief John-son, a firefighter for the past 15 years, arrived first at the familiar residence. "It's hitting close to home," Sullivan said.

Sullivan attributed the blaze to a lit cigarette. He said a neighbor noticed smoke and flames com-ing out of the mobile home in the 1500 block of Eubanks Road and telephoned authorities about 7:50 a.m.

According to a Big Spring Fire Department account of the blaze, a neighbor tried to enter the home but was driven back by the billowing smoke. Firefighters needed about 10 minutes and 75 gallons of water to knock down the flames. Sullivan said the fire burned for about 10 minutes before firefighters arrived.

Once inside, firefighters found Robey, who used a wheelchair, sitting in his recliner. An oxygen tank positioned near Robey also ignited at some point, Sullivan said.

Sullivan said he recused himself as fire investigator due to Johnson's relationship with the victim. Chief Brian Jensen said the Big Spring Fire Department is handling the investigation.

Sullivan said Robey fought fires himself for about two years at the Big Spring Fire Department. Robey also will be remembered as owner of a former gun shop located at West 17th Street and South Gregg Street, said Big Spring Fire Marshal Carl Condray, who used to trade guns with Robey. Sullivan described Robey as "a gun fanatic" who made several custom guns for people in Big Spring.

Sullivan said he will remember Robey as a man who enjoyed life and liked to have fun.

"He was your typical good ol' boy and a friend to everybody," Sullivan said. "He's worth remem-bering."