A man died after he was found unconscious in a burning home in Burlington, Massachusetts, early Sunday morning, officials said.
The man was identified as Paul Spencer, 60, and state and local fire and police officials said he died of injuries he sustained in the fire.
Emergency crews were called on a home on Evelyn Street about 4:08 a.m. for reports that it was on fire, and firefighters who arrived found heavy flame coming from the roof.
Spencer was found inside by a police officer who entered the burning home, officials said. He was rushed to Lahey Hospital & Medical Center and later died.
What caused Spencer's death will be determined by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, according to the officials. State fire investigators said the blaze appeared accidental, but the cause and origin were still under investigation as of Sunday night.
Fire trucks pulled water from nearby hydrants and crews broke through the roof to vent the fire.
Neighbors described the fire as intense — one said it was tough to look at the aftermath knowing it took the life of Spencer, who was always helpful, especially during snowstorms.
"I would watch for him because, sure as hell, he'd come anytime. We haven't had much snow but when there was snow, he was there," Doris Harriman said.
