SMITHFIELD, W.Va. - A house fire on Fallen Timber Road, near Smithfield, W.Va., in Wetzel County, claimed the life of an elderly man Tuesday afternoon.

The call came into the Wetzel County 911 Center at about 4:05 p.m. Wetzel County Sheriff James Hoskins said Tuesday evening, while the incident was still under immediate investigation, that he does not believe there were any other people in the residence at the time.

A neighbor reportedly kicked in the front door of the home in an attempt to save the man, but said he could not locate him in the intense heat and smoke.

Firefighters said the house was engulfed in flames when they arrived. Later, fire crews found the victim in a rear bedroom. They said the fire did not appear suspicious and may have started in a closet.

A representative of the State Fire Marshal's Office was expected to be on the scene again today to determine the cause. Firefighters believe the victim died of smoke inhalation.

His name was not being released until family could be notified.