Man killed in Danvers house fire, officials say

A man died in a house fire in Danvers on Tuesday, officials said.

Just after noon, firefighters went to 36 MacArthur Boulevard after someone saw smoke coming from the home, fire officials said in a statement.

“On arrival, firefighters observed heavy smoke coming from the eaves and visible in all the windows,” officials said. “They immediately made entry to attack the fire and begin a search but found the floor compromised, with a large hole to the basement just inside the doorway.”

Because neighbors said a resident was likely still inside the home, firefighters “attacked the fire in the basement and gained access through a sliding door,” officials said.

Although search efforts were “hindered by extreme clutter and smoke banking down to the floor,” firefighters found the man and brought him out.

“Sadly, he was pronounced deceased at the scene,” officials said. “Our hearts go out to his family.”

The man lived alone, officials said. His name was not released.

It took about 10 minutes to bring the fire under control, officials said. Its origin and cause is under investigation.