Man found dead in house fire in Everett; brother tried to enter burning home but couldn't

EVERETT, Wash.  (AP) — A man was found dead in a house fire in Everett Monday afternoon.

The Daily Herald reports (http://goo.gl/lCQ6Yn ) the fire started in the 5000 block of Ocean Avenue at about 1:45 p.m. Monday.

Firefighters put out the blaze and then found the body during a search of the home.

Steve Elke said he believes the man was his 76-year-old brother, Mike Elke.  Steve Elke, 67, said he spotted smoke and flames as he was driving to his home, which is across the street. He said he tried to get into the burning house, but it was too hot and the smoke was too thick.

The Snohomish County Medical Examiner's Office had not yet confirmed the identity of the deceased man.

No other details were immediately available.