Police investigators are still seeking to formally identify the man found in a house that caught fire in Holt in the early hours of the morning.
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Forensic crime scene investigators are also working with ACT detectives on determining the cause of the blaze, and how the man died.
ACT Fire and Rescue were called to the home on Giltinan Place around 2.30am on Wednesday, May 22.
The conjoined brick house, which has a shared common wall with a neighbouring property, was significantly damaged by the fire, which had collapsed a section of the tiled roof.
Police have not yet determined the age of the deceased.
Superintendent Rod Anderson said that the body of the man was discovered by firefighters after they had extinguished the blaze and successfully prevented it from spreading to neighbouring properties close by within the Belconnen cul-de-sac.
"I understand the fire was extinguished fairly quickly," he said.
He said a neighbour had called emergency services.
More than 15 officers and forensics were at the scene after 9am, with crime scene tape sealing off the cul-de-sac and the crime scene guarded by uniformed police.
Due to the roof damage, police investigators were unable to enter the crime scene until a structural engineer had provided the all clear.
A yellow emergency services steel storage container was dropped onto the roadway within the cul-de dac which backs onto onto Southern Cross Drive, indicating that investigators are likely to be on scene for some time.
Neighbour Wesley Gates said he and his wife didn't realise the house was on fire until police knocked on their door.
The owner of the house was a Caucasian man in his fifties or sixties, he said.
"We met him occasionally when we went for a walk, but [he] keeps to himself. He's been repairing his house."
"He didn't live there, comes and goes, he did work there occasionally on the house, I think. He didn't talk about himself very much.
"We couldn't see anything but there was a good smell of smoke."
ACT Fire and Rescue commander Brendan Crosbie said three fire trucks and 20 firefighters responded to the fire overnight.
A hazardous materials truck was also called to the scene after 9am.
Police are investigating the circumstances of the incident. Anybody who saw or heard the fire is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
