March 05--An investigation into a fatal South Buffalo house fire late Tuesday night has uncovered evidence that the man who died may have been a victim of foul play, authorities said Wednesday.

The deceased, whose identity has not been released pending a positive identification of his badly burned remains, died in his 1 1/2 -story, wood-framed house at 65 Sirret St. at around 10 p.m. Firefighters were summoned there by police already at the scene.

Though details were not being released, it is believed homicide detectives found evidence indicating that the fire, originally thought to be accidental, might have been intentional, according to police familiar with the investigation.

City fire marshals are assisting the homicide investigators.

The man, who was described as being between 40 and 50, was found on the first floor of the residence. His dog also died in the blaze.

"The fire was pretty heavy when we arrived," said Fire Commissioner Garnell W. Whitfield Jr., who added that the man lived by himself.

"I'm told he lived alone, though his fiancee sometimes spent time there, but she was not there last night," Whitfield said. "When firefighters arrived, police were already at the scene evacuating neighbors from either side of the burning house."

Details on how the fire started are being withheld, Whitfield said, "because it is part of the investigation."

An autopsy on the man was conducted Wednesday, according to police.

The blaze caused an estimated $120,000 in damages.

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