MUNCY — A 33-year-old Pennsdale area man, formerly of Selinsgrove, died in an blaze Saturday morning that destroyed a property owned by his family along Peter Gray Lane, just south of Muncy, in Muncy Creek Township, according to state police.

The victim has been identified as Richard T. Bower. He was found in a room at the rear of the 2½-story structure at 390 Peter Gray Lane.

Lycoming County Coroner Charles E. Kiessling Jr. pronounced him dead at the scene of the 4:40 a.m. fire. He said Bower died of smoke inhalation and severe burns. Kiessling said it is the first fatal fire in Lycoming County this year.

Fire officials said motorists on Interstate 180 spotted flames coming from the home and called 911.

State Police Fire Marshal Cpl. Nicholas A. Loffredo said the fire did not appear to be suspicious. The cause remains under investigation.

Bower, a former Pennsylvania College of Technology student, moved back to the Pennsdale area from Selinsgrove about two years ago.

Sources said Bower has an 8-year-old daughter, who lives in Selinsgrove with her mother.

Firefighters from the Warrior Run Fire Department in Watsontown assisted volunteers from Muncy, Picture Rocks, Pennsdale Hughesville, Montoursville and Clinton Township in battling the blaze.