A somber Christmas Eve unfolded in a community within Brevard County, Florida, as tragedy struck on the festive occasion. A deadly fire claimed a life on Whaley Road in north Merritt Island, leaving the neighborhood in mourning.

Firefighters responded to the blaze, which erupted in a mobile home, casting a shadow over the holiday spirit. Neighbor Todd Brown shared his observations with Merritt Island Community Correspondent James Sparvero, noting the construction of the trailer. “Unlike most homes that have drywall, this one had plywood,” Brown explained. “It turned the place into a giant oven.”

The mobile home was home to five residents, according to Brown. He recounted witnessing the fire ignite around 11 a.m. on Wednesday, marking the beginning of a devastating event that would alter the lives of those involved forever.

Brown said five people lived in the home.

The neighbor saw the fire break out around 11 a.m. Wednesday.

“By the time I got around the back of the corner, everything was engulfed,” Brown said. “I ran over there. They wouldn’t let me go in. It was too late. The whole place was up.”

A GoFundMe is online right now to support a young mother who lived in the home.

The fundraiser is asking for donations to cover basic expenses now.

Firefighters didn’t know what started the fire at the time of this writing, nor did they identify the victim.

Stick with News 6 and ClickOrlando.com for updates to this story.