1 dead after house fire in Clifton Heights neighborhood

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — One person is dead after an early morning house fire in Louisville's Clifton Heights neighborhood.

The Louisville Fire Department responded to a residential structure fire in the 2700 block of Chickasaw Avenue near Brownsboro Road around 2:51 a.m. Tuesday. Firefighters arrived just three minutes later and found heavy fire conditions at the home.

Crews launched an aggressive interior attack, using multiple hose lines to battle the blaze. The fire was brought under control around 3:22 a.m.

Firefighters were able to remove one person from the home, but that person was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Jefferson County Coroner's Office identified the victim Thursday morning as 84-year-old Silvia Espinosa.

Officials said the house where the fire started is a total loss. The fire was largely contained to that home but spread into the attic of a neighboring residence.

Two people living in the neighboring home were forced to leave the property because of the damage, though they were able to evacuate safely and no civilian injuries were reported.

One firefighter suffered a minor burn and was treated.

In total, 25 firefighters responded to the scene, including four engine companies, two truck companies, a battalion chief and three staff officers.

Fire officials said no working smoke detectors were reported inside the home where the fire originated.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.