Authorities have announced the identification of the individual who perished in a house fire occurring on Ray Hill Road late on February 28. Kevin D. Wright, a 68-year-old resident of Wilmington, has been named by Police Chief Matt Murano.

The Vermont State Police Fire and Explosion Unit is actively looking into the circumstances surrounding the fire, which preliminary reports by Fire Chief Scott Moore indicate does not appear to involve any criminal activity.

Emergency responders received notification of the incident from a neighbor around 11:15 p.m. The fire rapidly escalated, prompting an increase to a second alarm, leading to support from fire departments in East Dover, West Dover, Whitingham, Readsboro, Halifax, and Brattleboro. Deerfield Valley Rescue was also present at the scene, while the Stamford Fire Department provided coverage for the local fire station.

The initial responding officers reached the site within five minutes and found the building completely enveloped by flames, making it impossible for them to enter. Fire suppression efforts were initiated by the Wilmington Fire Department, who received assistance from neighboring departments. During the operation, the body of the victim was discovered inside the home.

Following the extinguishing of the flames, investigations led by the Wilmington Police Department and state officials began to piece together what caused the blaze.