posted August 19, 2005
A man was found dead after firefighters were called to a burning house in North Chattanooga early Friday morning.
Authorities said the man had died of natural causes.
Senior Firefighter Henry McElvain said the evidence suggests that the victim was smoking in bed, and when he died, his cigarette came in contact with a pillow, which started a small, smoldering fire.
Chattanooga firefighters were called to 806 Spears Ave. at 3:30 a.m.
Commander Don Eaves with Quint 12 said when firefighters arrived on the scene, they discovered the body in a back bedroom. There was also evidence of a small, smoldering fire on the bed.
The items that were smoldering were carried outside, and extinguished. There was very little fire damage.
The victim, described as a 67-year-old male, was transported to the Medical Examiners office, where the exact cause of death was to be determined.
Commander Eaves called for a fire investigator, and the Major Crimes Division of the Chattanooga Police Department was also called to the scene, which is standard protocol when fatalities are involved.
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