PORTSMOUTH, Va. — One person is dead after a large house fire burned on Court Street on Tuesday morning, Portsmouth Fire officials confirmed. Flames and heavy smoke are visible from 13News Now's tower cameras, and smoke has even drifted across the Elizabeth River into Norfolk.

Firefighters arrived just before 6 a.m. and quickly activated their residential structure fire plan. Approximately 12 fire trucks and three medic units, along with multiple police officers, are on scene. Crews have been able to force entry and are actively working to get the blaze under control.

A battalion chief confirmed there was one fatality in the fire, but their identity has not been released at this time. Fire officials noted that nearby trees and surrounding structures have posed challenges for the response

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