LEMMON, S.D. – Authorities in the north-central town of Lemmon say one person is dead and another is in the hospital after a fire broke out at a home.

Lemmon Fire and Rescue said in a news release that at 3:56 a.m. Saturday, crews responded to a reported structure fire. Arriving units found a two story home with heavy smoke and flames exiting a window of the house.

Inside, crews were met with heavy smoke and high temperatures. Firefighters began an aggressive attack on the fire and searched for occupants of the residence.

Two people were removed from the house by fire personnel and taken by the Lemmon Ambulance to the West River Regional Medical Center. One victim did not survive and the other is being treated.

The identities of the victims are being withheld, pending the notification of family members.

The fire was completely extinguished and extensive overhaul was conducted by the department. The response included five fire and rescue apparatus and 20 fire personnel.

“Our sympathy and prayers are extended to the family affected by this tragic loss” Fire Chief Brent Dirk said in a statement. “Thank you to all that responded including the Lemmon Ambulance, Perkins County Sheriff’s Office and the South Dakota Fire Marshal’s Office.”

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.