Firefighters found a man dead Sunday in what is Summerville’s first fire fatality of the year, officials said.

The fire happened in the 700 block of Highland Avenue in what was reportedly an abandoned house, Fire Chief Greg Echols said.

A 52-year-old man was found dead just inside a dead-bolted front door, near a makeshift living area.

The home had no utilities, but candles were found nearby, Echols said.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Summerville is about 90 miles northwest of Atlanta.

RELATED: Former UGA football player, woman, child killed in house fire

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Helen Gilbert places flowers on her brother Eurie Martin’s grave at Camp Spring Baptist Church in Sandersville. Her brother died eight years ago. Three former Washington County deputies are accused of causing his death and are set to stand trial Monday. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez