(DOWAGIAC) - A Dowagiac man was found dead as authorities were investigating a house fire.

Cass County Sheriff Richard Behnke says his department was called at 11:15 AM Monday along with area fire departments to investigate a house fire in the 24,000 block of Meade Street in Wade Township. While firefighters were putting out the blaze, they located 65 year old Robert Hillard of Dowagiac dead inside the residence.

The Wayne Township Fire Department, Dowagiac Fire Department and the Decatur Fire Department were all called in to battle the blaze. Also assisting were Pride Care Ambulance and the Michigan State Police Fire Investigation Unit.
The matter is still under investigation.