UPDATE: Hamilton firefighters find body at Stoney Creek house fire

Hamilton firefighters have discovered a body inside a Stoney Creek home that was engulfed in flames Tuesday morning.

The investigation is being turned over to the Office of the Fire Marshal, which has assigned two investigators to the case.

Emergency services were called to the scene at 22 Alpine Ave., a bungalow northwest of King Street East and Centennial Parkway South, around 7 a.m., said Hamilton Fire Chief Dave Cunliffe.

Firefighters found a well-involved fire with smoke and flames throughout the home. Initially crews entered the home to put out the fire and search for anyone inside, but had to retreat because the floor had collapsed in parts of the main level.

Firefighters then continued with a defensive attack," working to extinguish the fire from outside by going through doors and windows, he said.

Cunliffe said a lone occupant in the home was unaccounted for. Shortly after noon, the fire department said the body of the deceased occupant had been found inside.

By late morning, crews were still on scene putting out hot spots. Once the site was secure, firefighters were able to search inside.

The cause of the fire is unknown.

Cunliffe said the fire did not appear to be suspicious, but noted they would know more once the OFM could get inside.

The Hamilton police arson unit and criminal investigation branch have both been advised of the fire.

There are no other reports of injuries.

Nicole O'Reilly is a Hamilton-based reporter covering crime and justice for The Spectator. Reach her via email: noreilly@thespec.com