Detectives from the St. Louis County Police Department Bureau of Crimes Against Persons and St. Louis Regional Bomb and Arson Unit are investigating a house fire that resulted in the death of Lemay resident James Swift, 56.

Per police, on Jan. 23 at approximately 10:20 p.m., officers from the South County Precinct responded to a call for service to assist another agency with a house fire in the 3600 block of Paule Avenue. Upon arrival, officers determined that the fire was no longer active.

The reporting party advised the officers that a resident, now identified as Swift, was still inside the home. Located by officers, Swift was pronounced deceased at the scene. 

Preliminary investigation indicates the fire does not appear to be suspicious in nature. The exact cause of the fire has not yet been determined. 

This is an active investigation. Details could change as the investigation progresses. Additional information will be disseminated as it becomes available.