WALKER COUNTY, Ga. – A 38-year-old man died Tuesday morning following an explosion and structure fire in Walker County, according to Walker County Fire Rescue officials.

Firefighters were dispatched to 116 Alton Terrace Spur at approximately 8:25 a.m. after a neighbor reported a fire at the location.

When crews arrived, they found heavy flames coming from a small outbuilding near the roadway.

After extinguishing the fire, firefighters discovered the body of a man inside the structure. A neighbor told fire investigators they had seen the man enter the building shortly before the explosion occurred.

Officials have not released the man’s identity pending positive identification and notification of his next of kin.

The incident is the first fire-related fatality reported in Walker County this year.

The cause of the explosion and subsequent fire remains under investigation by the Walker County Fire Marshal’s Office. Investigators have ruled out foul play.