House fire claims the life of a man in Berrien County

Saint Joseph Township police and fire departments were dispatched to a house fire Monday evening that claimed the life of a man Monday.

The fire happened in Saint Joseph Township in the 1000 block of Wedgewood Road just before 5:50 p.m. Monday.

When officers arrived, they say neighbors advised them that there may still be people inside during the fire.

Officers attempted to gain entry but say they could not due to the intense smoke coming from the structure.

Firefighters then arrived on scene to find a male subject deceased inside the home.

Police say 41-year-old Anthony Laratta who lived at that home died in the fire.

The Michigan State Police Fire Marshalls office was called in to investigate the cause of the fire.