A house fire Wednesday claimed the life of a 72-year-old rural Waseca County man.

The body of Victor St. John was found in the basement of his home located along County Road 9 south of Janesville.

Waseca County authorities received a 911 call about 11 a.m., apparently from St. John, who reported that his home was on fire.

Deputies arriving on the scene found the house in flames and could not locate the caller. Deputies attempted to gain entry and make contact with the caller but were forced back by smoke.

Fire crews from Pemberton, Janesville, Waldorf and St. Clair battled the fire for hours, then began searching for the caller.

After about an hour of searching, St. John's body was found. An autopsy is scheduled for Friday.

The fire is not believed to be suspicious and the cause is being investigated.