Heater Responsible for Fire Death

Victim Escaped Fire Before Dying
Contact: John Robison, State Fire Marshal
334-241-4166

1/5/2002

Fred King of Smith Street in Uniontown died Friday morning following a fire at his home. Around 4:30 AM January 4th, King escaped his burning home, going to a neighbor’s house for help. When the neighbor reached their front door, King was standing at the door on fire. The neighbor called for help and upon returning to the front door found King lying down and no longer breathing. Investigators from the Uniontown Police Department and Alabama State Fire Marshals Office have determined that no smoke detector/alarms were installed in the home and that the fire occurred when a kerosene heater was placed too close to the victim’s bed.

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