One person found dead after house fire in central Fresno

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Investigators said one man is dead after a house fire in central Fresno and they're trying to figure out what caused it.

Investigators are looking around the home and on the inside to find the cause of the fire. The main focus is a giant hole on the side of the house where the fire burned-- the body was found nearby.

The call came in around 3:00 p.m. Monday when neighbors heard the windows shatter from the heat, they ran out, dialed 911 and tried to knock on the door. By that time, the neighbors tell Action News there was heavy smoke pouring out of the home-- fire crews showed up a few minutes later.

Inside, firefighters said the flames were really starting to build up and some clutter inside was making the fight a little difficult. They were, however, able to put out the flames, but by that time, it was already too late. "There was smoke coming out of the house. It was originally reported as a residential house fire, so they did a quick attack. And upon their current search that's when they found the body," said Hector Vasquez, Fresno Fire.

The victim is an elderly man, he's the homeowner who neighbors said has lived there for years. His name hasn't been released and firefighters are trying to notify his family.

They're also not sure if he died as a result of the fire. Neighbors hadn't heard from the man in a few days and investigators will have a better idea after an autopsy is performed.