Body found in rural home that is destroyed by fire

HAMBURG, Calif. -- A body burned beyond recognition was found in a rural home that also completely burned Tuesday on Highway 96. Police believe it is the body of a 72-year-old man who lived at the home, but months-long DNA analysis will have to be performed to confirm the identity.

At about 4:05 PM, the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office received a call for assistance at a structure fire at 35331 Highway 96 in the Klamath National Forest, the sheriff's office reported.

Firefighters from the Klamath River Hose Company, Happy Camp Volunteer Fire Department, CAL FIRE and U.S.  Forest Service responded to the fully involved structure fire. Caltrans and officers of the California Highway Patrol were called to provide traffic control.

The home with an attached garage was completed destroyed in the fire and it is believed the 72-year-old man who lived alone in the home perished in the fire.

Fire investigators with the Siskiyou County Arson Team, CAL FIRE and the sheriff’s office on Wednesday recovered the remains. An autopsy will be scheduled for later this week to determine exact cause of death.

The cause and origin of the fire are currently under investigation.