A NORTH Albury man killed during a fire in his home may have been trying to put out the blaze when he was overcome by smoke.
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A garden hose was found leading from the rear of the property into the lounge room.
Police believe a heater may have sparked the fire, and that the 47-year-old may have died trying to extinguish the blaze.
Detective Inspector Winston Woodward said the incident was not being treated as suspicious.
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"It's a sad set of circumstances," he said.
"The male, trying to put out his own fire, has possibly been overcome by smoke.
"I believe the male did all he could trying to protect his castle.
"Unfortunately we believe he's died as a result of doing so.
"It's hard to say what people should do at the time, some people are compelled to look after all they've got in the world and other people don't feel they need to fight a fire, and wait for the fire brigade."
The heat of the flames forced police back from the home.
The home couldn't be accessed until the fire was extinguished, at which point Mr Truhlar's body was found.
His friend, Kerry Woodland, said the incident was "tragic".
"He was really kind," she said.
"He was always willing to help other people, even when he didn't have much himself."
Ms Woodland said the 47-year-old had helped people with drug, alcohol and mental health issues through St Luke's Anglicare.
She said he had been a keen pool player and loved fishing.
"It's tragic," she said.
Detective Inspector Woodward said the official cause of Mr Truhlar's death would have to be determined by a coroner.
Firefighters spent more than four hours at the scene on Sunday morning bringing the incident under control.
The brick and fibro home will have to be demolished.
NSW Fire and Rescue Inspector Frank Finlay said about 50 per cent of the home had been damaged by the blaze.
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