A devastating fire broke out at a residential property in Melville early Tuesday morning, resulting in the tragic death of a man. Suffolk police have confirmed the fatality and are currently investigating the incident.

According to an assistant chief from the Melville Fire Department, the blaze is believed to have originated from a propane tank at approximately 4:30 a.m. The fire rapidly spread from the vicinity of the tank to a nearby shed, eventually engulfing the entire home located at 109 Wilmington Drive.

In response to the emergency, nearly 100 firefighters from multiple departments rallied together for a relentless two-hour battle to bring the inferno under control. However, the situation was further complicated when the roof of the house collapsed, presenting additional challenges for the first responders.

In a painstaking effort, excavators spent hours sifting through the debris as they searched for a senior resident who was known to occupy the residence. At this time, it has not been officially confirmed whether the man who tragically lost his life in the fire was indeed the occupant.

Members of a neighboring family residing in a house overlooking the scene shared their firsthand account of the incident. They revealed that the man had been living at 109 Wilmington Drive for several decades. When they noticed the blaze, they rushed to the scene in an attempt to ensure his safety.

Regrettably, their efforts were in vain as the courageous neighbor's attempts to alert and rouse any occupants in the burning house went unanswered. It remains unclear whether anyone else was present within the property at the time of the fire.

The investigation into the cause of the fire is still ongoing, and authorities are working diligently to determine the definitive cause. As the community mourns the loss of a valued member, support and condolences pour in from all corners.

The tragic incident serves as a solemn reminder of the importance of fire safety precautions and the need for vigilance when it comes to potential hazards within our homes.