Body found after fire at home just sold at back-tax sale

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. (WPVI) -- Authorities say a body was found following a fire at a northeastern Pennsylvania home hours after the property was sold at a back-tax sale.

Fire crews in Luzerne County were sent to the Wilkes-Barre residence before dawn Thursday. Wilkes-Barre fire chief Jay Delaney said crews found "fire everywhere" and were prevented from getting inside the building.

Coroner Bill Lisman said dental records would be required to identify the badly burned body found inside.

Fire marshal Brian Atherholt said the cause of the fire remained under investigation, though it didn't initially appear suspicious.

Authorities said the home had been sold for $13,000 Thursday at a county back-tax auction, but tax bureau officials said it may be voided because the fire occurred within 24 hours of the sale.