The Fire Investigator says the house fire that claimed a life in the 600 block Avenue N South started at the bottom of the stairs in the basement.

The cause of the fire is undetermined and damage is approximated at $125,000. The fire was called in just after 9 o’clock Saturday morning.

The building has been closed by the Saskatoon Fire Department due to the amount of fire and water damage.

The Saskatoon Fire Department says it is unknown why the person who died in the fire was not able to evacuate. The victim’s identity has not been released.