Fire in Billings Kills One Man, Investigation Ongoing

Paul Bennell Frazer, 58, was identified as the victim found dead in a house fire at 1002 N. 25th Street in Billings, Montana, on Sunday afternoon. Fire officials discovered moderate fire and smoke damage throughout the house, along with evidence of a small explosion. The cause of both the fire and Frazer's death remains under investigation, with estimated damages to the property and contents totaling $115,000. Witnesses reported hearing a loud boom prior to seeing flames, and local authorities, including the Billings Police and Fire Departments, have been actively investigating the incident. Traffic barricades that were initially set up for investigation purposes have since been removed, allowing streets to reopen. The Yellowstone County Coroner's Office and law enforcement continue to probe the circumstances surrounding the fire.