The Missouri Fire Marshal’s Office revealed the cause of a deadly, one-room fire at Hotel Oaks, 117 South St., in downtown Excelsior Springs.
“The results of the investigation determined the fire was accidental and revealed the victim was a smoker. Careless use of smoking materials could not be eliminated as the probable cause of the fire,” based on information released by office Communications Director Mike O’Connell, Jefferson City.
The fire that occurred about 7:30 p.m. Feb. 12 claimed the life of hotel resident and lifelong educator Pearlie Jean VanDerbeek, 83.
The police reached the scene almost immediately, being less than a block away, Hotel Oaks resident Naomi Allen, 82, said.
“They quickly ran across (the street) to the apartment,” Tribble said.
“It came in as an automatic alarm,” Fire Chief Paul Tribble said, and firefighters responded.