SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. (AP) – Fireplace ashes have been blamed for a fatal house fire in Scottsbluff.
Deputy State Fire Marshal Mike Turner says the ashes were improperly disposed on the house’s back porch Thursday. The fire was reported a little after 8:20 p.m.
Authorities say 92-year-old Salome Blanco Sr. died of smoke inhalation. His wife, Ramona, escaped.
Gering fire crews were called in to help extinguish the blaze.
Turner says a neighboring residence was damaged as well.