BRISTOL — A house fire on East Street claimed the life of 78-year-old Steven C. Leopold Wednesday night, according to police.
Authorities responded to a 911 call at about 7:41 p.m. reporting a residential structure fire.
Police arrived first on the scene, with the Bristol Fire Department following shortly after.
They found the home fully engulfed in flames and were informed that Leopold was still inside.
Despite attempts to reach him, the intensity of the fire thwarted rescue efforts.
Leopold’s body was later discovered within the residence.
He will be transported to the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office in Burlington for an autopsy to ascertain the cause and manner of his death.
The Vermont Department of Public Safety Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit has joined the Bristol Fire Department and Police Department in probing the fire’s origin and cause.
While the death investigation is being led by the Bristol Police Department, no suspicious circumstances have been indicated at this stage.
In light of this tragedy, the Division of Fire Safety is urging the public to ensure they have a viable escape plan and two exits from their homes.
Detective Sgt. James Wright of the VSP’s New Haven Barracks and Chief Bruce Nason of the Bristol Police Department are encouraging anyone with relevant information to come forward.
Tips can be submitted by calling 802-388-4919 for VSP or 802-453-2533 for the Bristol Police Department.
Anonymous tips can also be left online at https://vsp.vermont.gov/tipsubmit, or individuals can contact the Vermont Arson Tip Award Program at 1-800-32-ARSON.
No further details have been released as the investigation continues.
