(Graettinger)– Palo Alto county authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a man who’s body was found early this (Wed.) morning in a burning house in Graettinger.
Authorities say the body of the lone occupant of the residence, 40-year-old Charles O. Petersen of Graettinger, was found in an upstairs bedroom. Petersen was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy is being performed to determine the exact cause of death.
The State Fire Marshall’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire.
The Graettinger Fire Department and Palo Alto County Sheriff’s deputies were called to the scene at 310 South Lincoln in Graettinger at 5:00 a.m.
Fire Chief Wayne Anderson says flames were shooting out of the south and west sides of the house when firefighters arrived.
Petersen was a veteran of the Graettinger Fire Department.
