NEWTON, N.H. --
A Newton man was killed in an early-morning fire at his home Monday.
Officials said that the body of Lawrence Dube, 54, was recovered from the house at 107 S. Main St. When firefighters arrived at the scene at about 3:30 a.m., they weren't immediately sure if anyone was inside.
"It was confirmed later at about 5 or so in the morning that the single occupant of the home was actually present and deceased inside," Deputy Fire Marshal Rob Farley said.
Dube's body was found in the front section of the house.
"We believe the room he is in is the living room," Farley said. "It's in the front part of the house where the TV and couches are."
The fire was reported by a next-door neighbor, who smelled smoke and looked out her window to see the house engulfed in flames. When the fire department arrived, the fire was so intense that it was impossible to enter the house
"Upon their arrival, they observed heavy fire already going through the roof," Farley said. "They struck a second alarm shortly thereafter, which brought in mutual aid from multiple towns."
Fire officials said they had no problems fighting the fire, but by the time they arrived, it was too late to save the house or Dube.
Officials said that it may be impossible to determine exactly what caused the fire because the damage is so extensive.