Man dies in house fire; identity still unconfirmed

AQUILLA, Mo. -- A house fire late Monday night claimed the life of a man whose identity has not been confirmed.

According to Bloomfield, Missouri, fire chief Justin Bell, the fire department received a call about a house fire at 23073 North Highway 25 about 11 p.m.

"A neighbor (to the residence) had called and said the house was on fire and that she believed someone was inside," Bell said. "By the time we got there, the house had vented and flames were involved."

Bell said the front part of the house was fully involved.

"By the time we got the flames put out and gained entry to the house, we found the body on the couch," Bell said. "The fire is still being investigated by the fire marshal, but no foul play is suspected. As of right now, though, the cause of the fire is undetermined."

According to Bell, the body is believed to be that of Deward "Deke" Philpott.

"We can't know for sure that's who it is until we get the DNA results back," Bell said. "The body was burned beyond recognition."

Bell said no one else was in the house during the fire, and there were no other injuries.

"It's a pretty tragic thing to happen," Bell said. "We may never be 100 percent sure about what exactly happened. We don't know if he was asleep on the couch at the time, or what."