(Photos by Russ Mitchell) Members of the Royal Fire & Rescue Department stayed at the scene of a fatal house fire throughout the morning Thursday. The fire claimed the life of a Greenville man who lived at the home.

Deputy State Fire Marshal David Schipper hopes to have more information today about what caused a fatal house fire in Greenville, a town of 86 residents in southern Clay County.

The blaze claimed the life of 60-year-old Tim Mills, who is described as the home's owner and the occupant.

Members of the Royal and Webb fire departments were the first to arrive just after 6 a.m. Thursday at 1223 Jenkins Avenue. They discovered heavy fire coming from the house and a double-stall attached garage. A neighboring garage and shed located to the north of he Mills residence also was on fire.

The Dickens and Sioux Rapids fire departments were summoned for assistance and crews from the four towns were able to save a home north of the Mills residence.

A quick, aggressive approach allowed firefighters to get the fire under control at the Mills residence as well, but severe and hazardous conditions kept emergency crews from immediately entering the house to locate Mills.

He was found by State Fire Marshal investigators in the kitchen of the house. The Iowa State Medical Examiners Office will conduct an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

Members of the Royal Fire & Rescue Department spent much of the morning Thursday pulling down pieces of the charred shell and dousing embers at the house, which is across the street from the Grace Congregational Church in Greenville.

The fire departments were assisted at the scene by the Clay County Sheriffs Office, Clay County Medical Examiners Office, Spencer Ambulance, Iowa State Patrol and Iowa State Fire Marshals Office.

Warner Funeral Home of Spencer is in charge of arrangements, which are pending for Mr. Mills.