HURRICANE – Authorities have determined the cause of a fatal fire that ignited in a Hurricane apartment early Monday morning and have also released the name of the woman who died in the fire.
In a press statement issued Tuesday, the Hurricane City Police Department identified Barbara J. Smiley, 57, as the woman who died in the fire.
An investigation into the blaze, which was reported at approximately 2:14 a.m. Monday, revealed that Smiley was a smoker and on oxygen, and it has been concluded she fell asleep while smoking in her bed, according to the statement.
“This combination can be flammable and is believed to have contributed to the fire,” the press release stated.
Smiley’s bed was determined to be where the fire originated.
“Based on the circumstances, the cause of the fire is determined to be accidental,” according to the press release.
Responders were able to help a 40-year-old man out of the burning apartment during the fire, and he was transported by ambulance to Dixie Regional Medical Center in St. George in stable condition.
Smiley and a pet dog were later found dead inside the home.
The apartment was a total loss, with damages estimated at $75,000, according to a Hurricane City Police press statement issued Monday.
According to Monday’s statement, Smiley was bedridden and unable to move without assistance.
This report is based on preliminary information provided by law enforcement or other emergency responders and may not contain the full scope of findings.
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