A man was killed in a Stratford house fire on Saturday.

Officials say the fire at 25 Melville St. fire broke out around 5 p.m. and quickly burned out of control, leaving much of the house gutted.

They say the homeowner, who was inside the house when the blaze broke out, was killed. Investigators have identified the victim as Jim Boss.

Assistant Chief Steven Alesevich says when firefighters found the homeowner on the second floor, Boss had already succumbed to his injuries.

Neighbors say the homeowner was a hard worker who was deeply devoted to his family.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.