A fire at 515 Ky. 643 near Crab Orchard claimed the life of a man early Wednesday morning.

As of press time Friday, the man had not been identified, according to Lincoln County Coroner Farris Marcum. Although officials are having difficulty obtaining medical records for an official identification, Marcum said the body found “is consistent with the man who lived there.”

Marcum said officials may have to go with “assumption of identity” if they’re unable to get dental and medical records. 

“We are trying to positively document that it was him, but we’re not sure …” he said. 

Lincoln County Fire Chief Danny Glass and crew were called to the fire at the mobile home early Wednesday morning, but upon arrival “it was pretty much gone.”

Kentucky State Police authorities, including an arson investigator and detectives, were also called to the scene. 

Marcum said the fire was discovered by a man who drove by on his way home from work, at about 4:30 a.m.

“It had been burning for some time and had already collapsed on the ground. One wall was still standing,” he said.

The body was found in the kitchen area of the home, and was sent to Frankfort for an autopsy. At this time, he said, there’s no reason to believe the fire is suspicious.

“We don’t suspect any foul play,” Marcum said.

The man who lived in the home was originally from Madison County and had been in the Crab Orchard area for several years.