CHATHAM, Va. – A 77-year-old man died in a house fire in Chatham Wednesday morning.

Firefighters from Chatham, Blairs, Gretna and Callands were called to Dry Bridge Road in Chatham around 11 a.m., where they found a brick home engulfed in flames.

The body of an elderly man was found inside the residence. Family identified the victim as 77-year-old Sam Falls.

The house sustained heavy damage and is considered a total loss. A cause is still under investigation but the fire marshal’s office said the flames may have been sparked by an electrical malfunction.

The flames were brought under control in about 15 minutes but units were on the scene until 2 p.m. Wednesday.

About 20 volunteer firefighters responded to the call.