Two Killed in early Morning Fire

Electrical Extension Cord Cause of Fire
Contact: John S. Robison, State Fire Marshal
334-241-4166

1/11/2003

An early morning fire took the lives of two Foley residents.  John Wesley Lay age 69 and his wife Rachel Watson Lay age 65 died following an electrical fire at their home.

Firefighters located both victims in a bedroom of their home at 21325 Lay Lane after responding to the 1:30 AM alarm..  Mr. Lay was pronounced dead at the scene while his wife died at a local hospital.

An investigation of the fire by the Foley Fire and Police Departments and the Alabama State Fire Marshals Office revealed the fire originated in the living room.  Investigators determined the fire occurred due to a heavy lamp stand being placed on top of an electric extension cord damaging the cord.  No smoke detectors were found in the house.

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