COLCHESTER — A house fire on Malletts Bay Club Road claimed the life of at least one person early Christmas morning, according to the Colchester Police Department.
Emergency responders were dispatched at around 3:45 a.m. to the 911 report of the blaze, which had completely engulfed a two-story family residence with a possible occupant still inside.
The Colchester Fire Department, along with assistance from multiple neighboring fire departments, battled the intense flames and heavy smoke to extinguish the fire.
By noon, investigators had discovered a body within the charred remains of the house.
The deceased individual was taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to be identified and to determine the cause and manner of death.
In addition to the human casualty, a dog is also believed to have died in the incident.
The Vermont State Police Fire Investigation Unit and the Division of Fire Safety are collaborating with the Colchester Police to investigate the origin of the fire.
At this point in the investigation, officials do not consider the fire to be suspicious.
Responding to the emergency alongside the Colchester Police were Colchester Fire Department, Colchester Rescue, Saint Michael’s Fire Department, Burlington Fire Department, Winooski Fire Department, Essex Fire Department, VTANG Fire Department, Vermont Gas, Green Mountain Power, Water District 2, and All Seasons Excavating.
Detective Corporal Michael West of the Colchester Police Department is providing further information regarding the incident.
He can be reached at 802-264-5555.
