Firefighters were called to respond to a fire in a cottage by Loch an Eilein, Rothiemurcus Estate, Aviemore on Sunday (24 January 2016).
Members of the public who were out walking - including an off-duty firefighter - noticed smoke issuing from the property and immediately called the fire and rescue service.
The passers-by made an attempt to establish whether someone was inside just prior to fire and rescue service's arrival. The information they managed to obtain informed the crew that there was someone inside and where they were located.
Appliances from Aviemore, Kingussie and Grantown, along with the Scottish Ambulance Service and Police Scotland attended the scene within minutes and it was confirmed that there had been a fire within a bedroom.
Firefighters immediately entered the building wearing breathing apparatus to locate the occupant. Sadly the occupant was found to be deceased.
Station Manager Graham Clark said: "On arrival crews spoke to the passers-by, who included one of our off-duty colleagues, and we were quickly able to locate the casualty. Sadly he had passed away. Our thoughts are clearly with the man's family at this difficult time.
"A joint investigation is currently underway with Police Scotland."
Group Manager Antony Gardner stressed the importance of have smoke alarms in domestic premises and families having an escape plan in the event of a fire.
If members of the public would like to arrange a free Home Fire Safety Visit or want further information about fire safety in the home then please either call 0800 0731 999, call your local fire station, or text "FIRE" to 80800 from your mobile phone.
