Investigation underway after man, 71, found dead amid fire at south Wichita duplex

An investigation is underway after a man was found dead inside a home that caught fire Sunday night in south Wichita.

The Wichita Fire Department responded to a fire call at a single-story duplex in the 1600 block of S. Sedgwick around 9:56 p.m., battalion chief Jose Ocadiz said.

Fire crews were able to get the fire under control but had trouble getting through the front door. Upon entering, firefighters found a 71-year-old man in the living room of the home, according to Ocadiz.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene, as was a dog. It is unknown if the man owned the home or lived there, Ocadiz said.

The Kansas state fire marshal’s office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are investigating and determining what caused the fire, Ocadiz said.

An autopsy is being done to determine the man’s cause of death, Ocadiz added.