9/2/16
by News Department on 09/02/16Fatal fire ruled accidental...
Pottsville Police Chief Richard F. Wojciechowsky, said Thursday, that the cause of the fatal house fire in Pottsville on June 17 at 719 N. Centre St. was due to smoking.
According to the Republican Herald, 58 year old Joan Marie Wallace died in the fire and was the only one home at the time.
Wojciechowsky said it was determined that the fire was ignited by a burning cigarette and the volatile combination of the heat source coupled with oxygen in use in the home, a running air conditioner, ceiling fan and a stationary box fan all aided the rapid acceleration of the fire.
All possible electrical sources were ruled out as a cause of the fire, as well as any intentional acts.
Schuylkill County Coroner Dr. David J. Moylan III also said that Wallace’s death was accidental and urged county residents to have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in their homes or apartments.
