DEFIANCE - Firefighters discovered a body inside of a Defiance house fire that started early Friday, according to the Defiance County Sheriff’s Office.

The victim’s identity was not released Friday, pending identification during an autopsy at the Lucas County Coroner’s Office, according to a press release from the sheriff’s office. 

The fire at a home in the 4300 block of East Rolling Meadows Boulevard was reported shortly after 1 a.m. Friday, deputies said.

At about 1:50 a.m., firefighters located the body inside the home, according to the sheriff’s office. 

The homeowner is currently residing outside of the United States, deputies said. 

Firefighters from Noble Township Fire Department, Defiance City Fire Department, Delaware Township Fire Department, and Jewell Fire Department responded to the fire. 

The cause of the fire was not immediately. The case continues to be investigated by the Defiance County Sheriff’s Office and the State of Ohio Fire Marshal’s Office.

First Published December 15, 2017, 4:24 p.m.