1 man dead after massive house fire in Welland

One man and a dog are dead after a massive fire broke out at a home in Welland Thursday morning.

Niagara police say they were called out around 11 a.m. for a house fully engulfed in flames on David Street, near Sauer Avenue.

Fire crews heard reports of people still inside the burning home, but the structural integrity of the building had been completely compromised due to the fire.

Police officers evacuated nearby homes and closed streets in the immediate area while firefighters worked to bring the blaze under control.

Crews have water on the fire. pic.twitter.com/oow0h9GEPK

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Fire crews later confirmed that the body of a man was found inside the house. His identity is yet to be determined pending a postmortem.

The body of a dog was also found inside the burned home.

Police say the cause of the fire is still under investigation, although it is not believed to be criminal in nature.

The Office of the Fire Marshal has taken over the investigation, and police say they will continue to hold the scene overnight Thursday.

Welland’s fire chief tells CHCH News that this is the third time a fire has recently broken out at this property.

Anyone with information about this fire is asked to contact police at 905-688-4111 ext. 1009395.