A dark cloud of smoke rose over downtown Hawkesbury Thursday morning as firefighters fought to extinguish a house fire at the corner of Regent Street and Hamilton Street. The fire proved to be a fatal one.

Police have confirmed that Leo Leduc, 73, of Hawkesbury was found dead inside the house.

Access to the neighbourhood was blocked off at about 9 a.m. as firefighters dealt with the situation. Thick clouds of foul-smelling black smoke billowed out from the site, cloaking the neighbouring street at one point before blowing away.

Fire fighters buckled on self-contained breathing gear before entering the building to attack the fire from within and also check for any occupants. Leduc’s body was found after the fire was extinguished.

The Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office, the Coroner’s Office, and the OPP Forensic Identification Unit have all been notified. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.