Authorities are investigating a structure fire in Miller County, as well as what caused the death of a person found dead inside.
The Cole County Fire Protection District was called to fight the fire at 576 Old Ten Mile Road in Mary's Home at 5:20 p.m. Tuesday.
When firefighters arrived on the scene, the farm house was fully engulfed in flames.
Firefighters were notified of a person possibly inside the home, but they could not access the home due to the intensity of the heat and flames.
A woman later was found dead in a back bedroom. The Miller County sheriff and coroner were notified, along with the state fire marshal.
The fire was brought under control in about 45 minutes. Fire district personnel were on the scene until 11:30 p.m. Tuesday.
District personnel were called out again at 5:51 a.m. Wednesday for a report of an explosion and fire at the same address. The first arriving units found the structure had collapsed, and what was left was in flames.
The state fire marshal's office reported Wednesday afternoon that the fire occurred in the southeast corner of the home on or near a recliner. The remains of a heating pad and a lightweight energized extension cord were located in the area.
"These items were unable to be eliminated as a possible cause for the fire," the reported read. "There were no smoke alarms in the home."