One person has died in an early morning house fire in Methuen, Massachusetts, on Tuesday.

First responders were called to a home on Atkinson Street around 2:20 a.m., according to a joint statement from Methuen Fire, Methuen Police and the State Fire Marshal's Office. When they arrived, firefighters reported heavy smoke and flames coming from the home.

Stream NBC10 Boston news for free, 24/7, wherever you are. WATCH HERE

Rescuers trying to get inside were hampered by heavy fire and heavy clutter around the home, officials said. Firefighters moved to defensive operations, fighting the flames for more than four hours.

One person was found dead inside the home. Three others were able to escape. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause and manner of death.

The d

See Full Page