Authorities have determined the cause of a deadly fire earlier this month in Pittsfield.
In a joint statement, local and state investigators said that the July 6 fire at 73 Chickering Street started in a plastic trash barrel in a first floor living room and was caused by the improper disposal of smoking materials.
"Several packs of Pall Mall cigarettes and matches were found in the area of origin," the statement explained, adding that other possible causes were ruled out.
Frances Lysonski, 74, was rescued from the fire, but later died from her injuries at an area hospital.
"The improper disposal of smoking materials is a leading cause of fires and fire deaths. Forty percent of Massachusetts fire deaths this year have been due to smoking," said state fire marshal Peter Ostroskey in a statement.