Officials investigating after fatal house fire in Carroll County, Ky.

CARROLLTON, Ky. (WDRB) -- A 3-year-old girl was pulled from a fire in a burning home in downtown Carrollton early Thursday that killed at least one person.

The scene in the 200 block of 5th Street was still active hours after the fire. Officials confirmed one death and are working to determine if anyone else has died, but a police spokesperson said officials believe more people are dead.

Carrollton Police Public Information Officer Dave Roberts said in a news briefing that it may be a "multiple fatality" fire. He said the first 911 call about the fire at 209 5th St. was received at approximately 6 a.m., and officers were on the scene six minutes later.

"The officers were able to extract one juvenile female, approximately 3 years old, from the residence," Roberts said. "That female was taken to the Carroll County Memorial Hospital and has since been transferred to UofL."

Officers found the child collapsed on the floor, near the back door of the house, Roberts said.

Heavy equipment was brought in by a utility company to help first responders sift through the rubble.

"Kentucky Utility has some vehicles down the that's going to help remove some of the debris so we can get in there and get a better look at what's inside the residence," Roberts said.

It's too early to tell what may have caused the fire, and the investigation is ongoing. It's being led by the Carrollton Police Department, with assistance from Kentucky State Police and the State Fire Marshal's office.

Flames engulfed the two-story home, causing it to collapse in on itself, with charred remains falling over a fence and into a neighboring yard. A large cloud of smoke could be seen rising up from the basement well into the afternoon as firefighters searched for remaining hot spots.

Massive flames could be seen shooting high into the air in the video below, sent from WDRB viewer Alice Richter.

It was a rare and tragic sight for Carrollton residents.

"There's been fires, but nobody's died," said Mariah Robles.

Kathy Arvin said the person who died in Thursday's fire "was a very good person."

Both Arvin and Robles were thankful for the news that the young girl was pulled from the home.

"It was a blessing to save her," Arvin said.

"I can’t believe it," Robles said. "They were able to save her. That’s amazing."

Kentucky Utility excavators were still at the scene moving debris Thursday afternoon, and officials said they could be there well into the evening hours.

Thursday evening, Mayor Robb Adams said operations were suspended around 8:30 p.m. and will pick up again Friday at 7 a.m. An overnight crew will stay on scene to monitor.

This developing story will be updated as more information becomes available.

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