Crime & Safety
1 Found Dead In NorCal House Fire
Firefighters found the body of a deceased person buried under material near one of the entrances to the home.
MENDOCINO COUNTY, CA — One person died in a house fire in Mendocino early Thursday morning, according to the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office.
Sheriff's deputies responded to a report of a structure fire on Gurley Lane in Mendocino at about 1:25 a.m.
According to the report, a woman lived alone in the house, but it was unclear on if she was still inside the home.
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When the deputies arrived, they found a single-story home fully engulfed in flames. The deputies were unable to approach the home without risking their safety.
The fire department arrived at the home shortly after. Over two-thirds of the home was already burned as they worked to fight the fire while also protecting a second structure on the property.
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Firefighters found the body of a deceased person buried under material near one of the entrances to the home. Investigators were unable to identify the victim due to the conditions of the remains.
A fire investigator determined that the fire was not caused by criminal activity. The official cause of the fire remains under investigation.
An autopsy has been scheduled to identify the victim and determine the cause of death.
The identity of the victim will be shared upon notification of next of kin.
The investigation was ongoing as of Sunday. Anyone with any information is asked to call the sheriff's office communications center at (707) 463-4086 or the anonymous non-emergency tip line at (707) 234-2100.
By Sarah Stierch / Bay City News
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