TORONTO - Neighbours in west-end Toronto made a shocking discovery as they checked in on a man they hadn't seen in a while.

Not only did they find the door to the man's bungalow unlocked, but when they went inside they also found soot covering the walls of the top floor of the home.

After they called 911 Monday night, firefighters found the body of their 55-year-old neighbour in the burned out basement of his home at 36 Cynthia Road, near Eglinton Avenue West and Scarlett Road.

Toronto fire Capt. Mike Strapko says it's not clear when the fire started, but it looks like a lack of oxygen caused it to burn out on its own.

The fire caused extensive damage to the basement, but didn't travel upstairs.

The Ontario Fire Marshal's office is investigating.

Related

• CTV: Firefighters Find Man Dead at Odd Fire Scene
• The Star: Body Found In Burned Out Basement
• Tornoto Sun: Body Found at Fire Scene
• National Post: Body Discoverd After Fire Extinguishes Itself

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