The resident of a Rahway home that caught fire late Tuesday night has died, according to fire officials.

Rahway fire and police departments responded to the 3-alarm fire on West Scott Avenue at 8:46 p.m.

When they arrived, heavy smoke and fire could be seen from the back of the house.

Crews evacuated the house as a precaution because they feared it would collapse.

The remains of the unidentified resident were found after the fire was put out.

Firefighters blocked off West Scott Avenue as they worked to put out the flames. Crews remained on scene through the night as heavy snow and icy conditions complicated their efforts.

Damage to the back of the home was extensive. The siding had melted down to framing and insulation, and parts of the structure were exposed straight through to the other side.

It is not yet clear what caused the fire.