Toronto fire officials have confirmed that a body found inside a Camwood Crescent home destroyed in a New Year's Day fire is that of the 68-year-old homeowner.

Police confirmed Friday that a body found inside this house on Camwood Crescent, which was destroyed by fire early Thursday, is that of the 68-year-old homeowner. (Michael Cole/CBC) The body was located Friday after Toronto firefighters brought in heavy equipment to dig through the debris of the home at 28 Camwood Cres ., located in the area of Don Mills and York Mills Roads. The man's identity has not been released. CamwoodCres

Firefighters were first called to the house early New Year's Day. Crews arrived at 7 a.m. to find the house fully engulfed in flames.

When firefighters initially attempted to enter, they were driven back by high temperatures and an unstable first floor. One firefighter was taken to hospital with minor burns to his forehead. At its height, 65 firefighters battled the blaze.

Heavy equipment was required to reach the basement after the first floor collapsed during the fire. (Michael Cole/CBC) Attempts to locate the body Thursday were hindered because the first floor had collapsed into the basement, where the body was found Friday morning.

"Waking up to a bunch of fire trucks, EMS and hearing that potentially a neighbour is still in the house, it's not the greatest feeling to wake up to in the new year," said neighbour Yannick Walcott.

The Ontario Fire Marshal is investigating the cause of the fire.