CHINA GROVE — Officials have released the identity of the victim of a Tuesday morning South Main Street house fire as the homeowner, Rebecca Evans Phelps, 53.

The fire occurred just before 2 a.m. at 604 S. Main St. and was believed to have started in the living room near a couch.

China Grove firefighters and investigators with the Rowan County Fire Marshal’s Office remained at the scene Tuesday morning.

China Grove Police Chief Eddie Kluttz, who lives nearby, said he was awakened by his dog to the fire and rushed out along with two other officers. By the time the officers arrived the home was completely engulfed and there was no way to gain entry into it.

Kluttz said this morning that China Grove detective D.P. Walther attended the autopsy in Chapel Hill. He said dental records were obtained from a Rowan County dentist and were submitted to the N.C. State Medical Examiner during the autopsy.

Kluttz said the case is still under investigation and awaiting final autopsy results.   

The fire was contained to the home, but a home on the north side had some damage to its siding. It did not catch fire, Kluttz said.

Nearby homes were evacuated in case the fire spread.

Fire investigator Deborah Horne said Tuesday authorities believe an alternative heat or light source was being used, and the victim inside was not able to get out once the fire started. A chihuahua also died in the fire. Another chihuahua was found at a neighbor’s house.