Police are investigating a fatal house fire in Benalla early Saturday morning (Jan. 15).

Emergency services were called after a passer-by noticed smoke coming from a home on Smythe St around 4.30am.

Firefighters located the body of a person in the extensively damaged home.

At this stage, it is not believed anyone else was inside at the time of the fire.

A crime scene has been established and will remain in place.

Arson and Explosives Squad detectives along with specialist fire investigators will examine the scene in the morning to determine the exact cause of the fire.