Man in his 60s found dead after Minneapolis house fire Saturday

The Minneapolis Fire Department says one person died in a fire in the city's Seward neighborhood early Saturday afternoon.

Crews responded to a report of smoke coming from a single-family home on the 2000 block of 28th Avenue South just after 1 p.m., according to the fire department.

Upon arrival, crews found smoke coming from the home's second floor. Bystanders also informed first responders that there may have been someone trapped inside the residence.

The fire department says crews found heavy debris inside the house, which made it difficult to find the stairs to the second floor. Eventually, firefighters made it upstairs and fully extinguished the flames after about 40 minutes.

During a search of the home, firefighters discovered a deceased man in his 60s on the second floor. No other people were located inside the residence and no additional injuries were reported.

Minneapolis firefighters arrived in a matter of minutes, neighbors said.

"I looked out and all I could see was smoke blowing out of the house there," said Tim Nelson, who lives across the street.

The man lived in the home for years, Nelson said. He lived with mobility issues, according to neighbors.

"I met him a few times and he seemed like a nice guy, you know, I see him walking his dog," said Alex Kolisnyk, who lives a few blocks away.

 A dog was found outside the home, which Minneapolis Animal Care and Control took possession of.

According to neighbors, the dog is a German Shepherd and belonged to the victim. They are now hoping it goes to a good home.

"I don't know what else to say besides God bless him," said Kolisnyk. "Hopefully he's in a better place."  

The cause of the fire is under investigation.