Cigarette cause of deadly fire

Monday, Nov. 6, 2000 | 4:50 a.m.

Fire officials said they think the man was dead by the time they arrived at his "H" Street rental home. His name was withheld pending notification of family members.

"We entered the scene and took the victim outside very quickly," said Sparks fire investigator Bob Easly.

"We did everything we could for him. We performed CPR on him. But it was just too late."

Easly said the fire was caused by a smoldering cigarette after the man fell asleep in a chair. The cause of death has not been determined, he added.

The 9 a.m. fire caused severe damage to the home.

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