One person is dead and five others have been displaced after a multi-unit home was destroyed by fire in Saint John.

The Red Cross says the fire was reported around 4 a.m. Monday in the city’s west end. The two-storey home on James Street West was divided into three apartments.

Police say five-foot flames could be seen coming from the side windows of the home when fire crews arrived on scene.

Four people managed to escape the fire without injury while a fifth was not home at the time.

The Saint John Fire Department confirms a body was recovered from a rear unit that received most of the damage. The victim’s identity has not been released.

The Red Cross has arranged emergency lodging, food and clothing purchases and other support for at least three tenants.

There is no word on a cause at this time.