Police say they are investigating a fatal house fire in Welland this morning
Shortly after 11 a.m., 3 District (Welland/Pelham) uniform officers with the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) responded to a fire at a residential home in the area of David Street and Sauer Avenue.
Welland Fire Services, along with police and Niagara Emergency Medical Services paramedics responded to the scene.
Upon arrival by emergency services, the home was fully engulfed with reports of possible persons in the residence.
Police said it was determined the structural integrity of the home was compromised due to the fire.
Officers closed streets in the immediate area and evacuated nearby homes, while fire services continued to bring the fire under control.
Welland Fire Services later confirmed that a body of a male was found in the house. The man's identity could not be positively confirmed at the scene and a postmortem will be conducted, police said.
The body of a dog was also found within the structure.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation but is not believed to be criminal in nature, according to police.
The Office of the Fire Marshall has taken charge of the investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Niagara Regional Police Service at 905-688-4111 ext. 1009395.
