SHREWSBURY — On April 3, at approximately 3:45 p.m. the Shrewsbury Fire Department responded to a fire on Cold River Road in Shrewsbury. Upon arrival the fire department located a fully involved structure fire involving a single family residence. One occupant who was in the house at the time of the fire was located during fire suppression efforts and determined to be deceased.
A few days later the Medical Examiner’s Office identified him as homeowner David Rice, age 71.
The fire department requested mutual aid to assist in the suppression efforts. Mt. Holly, Clarendon, Rutland Town, Wallingford, Ludlow, and East Wallingford Fire Departments responded to the scene.
Damage to the home was estimated at approximately $200,000.
Shrewsbury Fire Department requested assistance from the Vermont State Police Fire Investigation Unit to determine the origin and cause of the fire. While the cause of the fire is still under investigation, it is not considered suspicious.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Vermont State Police at 802-878-7111.