Smoking suspected in fire that killed Lenawee County man

6/20/2007

HUDSON, Mich. An elderly man died yesterday after a fire engulfed his home at 4412 Childs Hwy. in Lenawee County s Hudson Township, about 20 miles north of Fayette, Ohio, authorities said.

The county sheriff s office, Michigan state fire officials, and Hudson Fire Department personnel would not release names, but John and Sandra Myer are listed as living in the residence where the fire occurred about 2:30 a.m.

The cause of the fire at the single-story ranch house is officially undetermined, but Hudson Assistant Fire Chief Jerry Tanner, Jr., said the initial investigation revealed it likely was caused when oxygen equipment ignited from a cigarette.

Chief Tanner called it careless smoking.

Michigan State Fire Marshal Sgt. Jack Hooker said there was no indication of foul play.