ALSTEAD, N.H. (AP) – Fire consumed a small ice-fishing hut overnight Monday, killing the man who lived inside.

Fire officials didn’t release the victim’s name, but landowner James Belt told The Keene Sentinel the victim was his tenant, Jeffrey K. Brittain. Belt, who also lives in a cabin on the land, said Brittain had been living in the fixed-up bob house for about a dozen years until the fire.

Belt said his son, who also lives on the land, spotted the fire and called 911. Belt said he saw shooting flames and heard what sounded like a propane tank exploding.

Several propane tanks were spotted Tuesday morning near the building’s charred remains.

Alstead Fire Chief Kim Kercewich said the fire appears to have been accidental. It was reported about half-past midnight at a small shed on Anderson Road. The building was completely burned down when firefighters arrived.

Kercewich said officials were trying to get in touch with the victim’s relatives before releasing the name. Kercewich acknowledged that “could take some time.”

Neighbors said Brittain was in his mid-50s, kept to himself, and didn’t appear to have any family in the area.

Belt said Brittain worked part-time at a bakery and was also a glass blower. Belt said Brittain smoked, and used propane to heat the hut, cook and blow glass.

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Information from: The Keene Sentinel, http://www.keenesentinel.com

AP-ES-08-21-07 1455EDT