61-year-old man killed in apartment fire in Delavan

DELAVAN (WITI) -- Delavan police say a 61-year-old man was killed in an apartment fire early Sunday morning, December 7th.

It happened shortly after 1:30 a.m. in the 500 block of Parish Street in the city of Delavan.

Police say a woman living in a second-story apartment was alerted to the fire after she smelled smoke and heard a smoke detector sounding. She reported the fire to officials.

The woman and another resident were able to get out of the apartment before authorities arrived.

A police lieutenant arriving at the scene reported smoke and flames in a lower unit. That lieutenant attempted to enter the lower hallway to the apartment, but he was driven back by smoke and heat.

Upon their arrival, fire officials conducted a search of the building, and they discovered the 61-year-old man inside the lower apartment. He was badly burned and couldn't be revived. He is believed to have been the only resident of that apartment unit.

The fire was brought under control, and fire officials say it was contained to the lower unit -- which sustained considerable damage.

The State Fire Marshal's Office has been called in to investigate.

The American Red Cross is assisting two displaced residents.