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.

The Newport Dispatch reports that 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. Malletts Bay Club Road is located in the Marble Island neighborhood of Colchester.

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 – believed to be a man – 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.