GADSDEN, Ala. — A Gadsden man was killed in a house fire early Christmas morning, according to local authorities.
Firefighters were dispatched at approximately 4:15 a.m. Thursday to a residence on Delwood Place, off Mountain Creek Drive, after neighbors reported seeing flames coming from the home.
Units from the Gadsden Fire Department were first to arrive on the scene, with mutual aid along with Tidmore Bend, Coats Bend, and Hokes Bluff fire departments.

During the firefighting operation, crews discovered the body of one adult male inside the residence. Officials believe he was the sole occupant of the home at the time of the fire.

The Etowah County Sheriff’s Office, the Etowah County Arson Task Force, the Alabama State Fire Marshal’s Office, and the Etowah County Coroner’s Office also responded to the scene to assist with the investigation.

The residence sustained heavy damage and is considered a total loss. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined and remains under investigation.

No additional information has been released at this time.