For 35 years McCalmont Township, Jefferson County has not seen a fatal fire.  Unfortunately, Sunday night, the streak ended.

It was just after 6:30 p.m. when volunteers of the McCalmont Township fire company responded to a blaze in Jefferson County.

Officials said neighbors called 911 after seeing a blaze at a nearby home.  Firefighters responded to the fire at 3498 Graffius Ave., Extension.

Upon arrival officials said that the one and only resident of the home was found inside.

Jefferson County Coroner Bernard Snyder pronounced Harry Hibbard, 70, dead at the scene.

According to the police report, the fire started inside the kitchen area.  Firefighters told WJAC they found Hibbard in the kitchen.

Members of the McCalmont Volunteer Fire Company told WJAC they knew the victim.

Fire Chief Orrie Manners said knowing victims always makes it harder in circumstances like these.

"It is difficult when you know the person. I have known him since I was 9 or 10 years old,” said Manners.

McCalmont was assisted by a number of fire companies in the area.

Manners said, since the house was made of stone, it entrapped the heat inside making it difficult to put out.

At this time, State Police said they are still investigating the cause of the blaze.  However, they do know it is not a suspicious fire.