ROXBURY — Vermont State Police have confirmed that Russell Holt, 81, was the victim in a deadly fire at his East Roxbury home Thursday afternoon.

Authorities said Holt was found dead in the basement of the Route 12 home. They said he had been seen outside minutes before the fire and apparently entered the basement through an exterior door before the fire. He became trapped in the basement by the fire.

Holt was the only person inside the home at the time.

Firefighters from several departments responded to the blaze. Authorities said rescuers were not able to enter the home because of heavy smoke and flames.

State police said the cause of the fire is undetermined. Officials do not believe it to be suspicious.