WATERVILLE – A 65-year-old man was killed early Saturday when a fire swept through a recreational vehicle that was parked next to his house.

Firefighters were called to a home on Violette Avenue at about 3:30 a.m. by neighbors who reported hearing an explosion, fire officials said. The fire is believed to have started around a propane heater located in the middle of the 30-foot Winnebago.

Once the fire was extinguished, firefighters found the body of Colin Croteau, according to Department of Public Safety spokesman Stephen McCausland.

The vehicle was parked about two feet from the house, which had some damage from the fire. Croteau lived alone in the home but preferred living in the RV, McCausland said.