VINEMONT – A house fire overnight in the Vinemont-Providence area sent one man to an area hospital and led to the discovery of a body, launching an investigation by the state fire marshal's office and Cullman County Sheriff's Office (CCSO).
The blaze occurred at a residence at 105 County Road 1332 and was called in at approximately 9:30 p.m. The fire was contained by 11:30 p.m., at which time firefighters from the Vinemont-Providence Volunteer Fire Department discovered a body and Cullman County Coroner Jeremy L. Kilpatrick was called in.
Kilpatrick confirmed that the body was sent to the state forensics lab in Huntsville for autopsy and identification. It is not known at this time if the body is that of a man or a woman, although there are reports of a missing woman.
As for the circumstances surrounding the fire, Kilpatrick said, "It's up to the state fire marshal's office and the Cullman County Sheriff's Office to determine if it was arson or not."
Firefighters on the scene, however, noted that the blaze was "extremely hot and burned really fast." The house is a total loss.
Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry said, "We did have a house fire with a fatality. One person was injured and the state fire marshal was called in. That's all the information we're going to release at this time."
The extent of the male victim's injuries is unknown, as is the name of the hospital where he is receiving treatment.
The Gold Ridge Volunteer Fire Department also assisted on the scene.
This is a developing story.
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