Authorities in the Verde Valley are investigating a deadly house fire that claimed one life in Clarkdale.
The Verde Valley Fire District and Clarkdale Police Department responded Tuesday to the residential fire, where crews found heavy smoke and intense fire conditions. Firefighters faced significant challenges as they worked to battle the blaze, with large amounts of stored belongings inside the home restricting access, limiting visibility, and increasing the fire load.
A regional response was called in, with assistance from Cottonwood Fire Department, Sedona Fire Department, Copper Canyon Fire and Medical District, Verde Valley Ambulance, and the Regional Fire Investigation Team.
Firefighters were able to contain the fire to the single home and prevent it from spreading to nearby properties, which suffered only minor heat damage. During a search, crews located one occupant dead inside the home.
Fire officials say the cause of the fire remains under investigation. No additional information about the victim has been released.