ALBEMARLE COUNTY, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) -- A man is dead after an overnight house fire in Albemarle County. The home on Pen Park Lane was destroyed and firefighters say the roof caved in.

It happened just after midnight on Friday. Units from the Albemarle County Department of Fire Rescue and the Charlottesville Fire Department responded.

Firefighters arrived on the scene about seven minutes after they were dispatched, but unfortunately, it was too late and a man who lived in the house died in the fire.

"The roof being almost completely gone, that does indicate that the fire had been burning for quite some time," said Deputy Chief Emily Pelliccia.

She says the time of day and the location of the house may have been reasons why the dispatch was late.

She also talked about safety tips to follow during the holiday season. She said to be careful where open flames are placed around decorations and to never leave your kitchen while something is cooking.