Man Dies in Early Morning Fire

Careless smoking, possible illegal drug use, and the presence of anti-burglar bars were deemed to be the main factors that led to the death of a 46 y/o male in an early morning fire in South Dallas.  Fire investigators believe that the fire started in a mattress located in the rear of the house.  The fire then began to quickly advance to the front of one-story frame house.  The man made several desperate attempts to escape the blaze but was unable to go beyond the anti-burglar bars.  The man eventually succumbed to the smoke and collapsed in the front room of the house.

The man was one of several who were occupying the one-story frame house without obtaining permission from the owner.   The house was being remodeled at the time of the fire.

There were no other injuries.