A person died in a fire at a home in rural Ripon early Monday morning.

The fire was reported at 12:45 a.m. on Monday on West Ripon Road.

Crews encountered heavy fire conditions inside a single-story, single-family home.

Ripon Fire said suppression efforts were challenged by an "unusually large amount of personal property stored throughout the structure."

Mutual aid was provided by the Manteca Fire Department, the Escalon Consolidated Fire Protection District and the Lathrop Manteca Fire District.

After the fire was brought under control, crews found one person dead inside the home.

The San Joaquin County Fire Investigation Unit and the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the cause and circumstances of the fire.

 The Ripon Fire district posted that “this tragic incident serves as an important reminder of the critical role working smoke detectors play in providing early warning and helping save lives. We encourage all residents to ensure smoke alarms are properly installed and functioning in their homes.”

“Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones affected by this tragedy. We ask the community to keep them in their thoughts during this difficult time.”