ST. LOUIS – Flames shattered a north St. Louis neighborhood Sunday, leaving one man dead and investigators trying to piece together exactly what went wrong.

According to the St. Louis Fire Department, crews responded to a reported house fire just after 6 p.m. in the 5300 block of Maffitt Avenue, located in the Wells-Goodfellow neighborhood.

When they arrived, heavy flames were pouring from the front of the house. Minutes later, a man was pronounced dead on the front porch. Fire officials said the man lived alone and had family nearby, who were notified at the scene.

“The individual had a habit of a barbecuing on the front porch. So, not exactly sure that’s what transpired tonight, but that’s why we’re talking to everyone we can,” Captain Garon Mosby, St. Louis Fire Department, said. “If anybody got any video or anything to pass on. We just got a lot of folks to talk to right now”

The damage was contained to the primary structure, according to firefighters. The victim’s pets were found safe in the backyard. While officials believe the fire was likely accidental, the St. Louis Regional Bomb and Arson Squad is investigating the exact cause.

The St. Louis Fire Department is asking neighbors to check their security cameras and contact investigators with any tips.