PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Authorities have confirmed the discovery of a deceased man after a fire broke out at a Phoenix home on Thursday afternoon.

Shortly after 1 p.m., multiple 911 calls reported smoke emanating from a house near 22nd Street and Monterey Way, south of Osborn Road. Neighbors noticed the smoke and quickly alerted emergency services, fearing the worst for the occupants of the home.

Upon arrival, firefighters found the back of the house engulfed in flames, with the fire spreading rapidly to the attic. Crews immediately deployed hoses and began battling the intense blaze. A ladder crew ascended to the roof to prevent the fire from spreading further while firefighters inside the home worked to contain the flames. Their coordinated efforts quickly brought the fire under control, preventing it from causing further damage to the structure and neighboring properties.

During their search of the residence, firefighters discovered the body of an older man in one of the rooms. According to a source from Arizona’s Family, the man was already deceased before the fire started, adding a layer of complexity to the investigation.

The cause of the man's death remains unclear, and authorities have not ruled out any possibilities, including foul play or natural causes. “We always start with ‘let’s not rule anything out,’ and then, by reason of deduction as we start doing our investigation, we start ruling things out. We’re at the beginning of the investigation, so nothing’s been ruled out,” said Phoenix Fire Capt. Rob McDade. Investigators are meticulously examining the scene, looking for any signs that could explain both the fire's origin and the circumstances surrounding the man's death.

Neighbors, who did not know the victim personally, reported no unusual activity in recent days that might hint at the cause of the fire or the man's death. McDade noted that interviews with residents revealed that the deceased and another individual, who was not present during the fire, were long-time renters at the property and were described as quiet and reclusive.

“We didn’t hear any loud noises or anything last night or recently. There hasn’t been a lot of activity around. It is kind of shocking, just curious to see what actually happened,” said neighbor Adam Yorysh. Other neighbors echoed Yorysh's sentiments, expressing their surprise and concern over the incident.

This incident marks the second deadly house fire reported in the Valley on the same day. Earlier, at around 2:30 a.m., firefighters responded to a blaze at a home in Mesa. Despite their swift rescue efforts, the occupant of that home also died at the scene, highlighting a tragic day for the community.

Firefighters are actively investigating the cause of both fires. They are examining electrical systems, possible sources of ignition, and any accelerants that might have been used. The investigations are ongoing, with fire officials working closely with law enforcement to piece together the events leading up to these tragic incidents.