HURRICANE, Utah — Authorities in Hurricane have identified a woman who was killed in a fire in an apartment Monday, and authorities stated the woman is on oxygen and may have fallen asleep while smoking. Neighbors also tell FOX 13 News the woman is paraplegic and unable to move without help.
According to information from Hurricane City Police Department, 57-year-old Barbara J. Smiley of Hurricane was killed in Monday’s fire.
Police stated Smiley is a smoker who is also on oxygen, and they stated they believe that flammable combination contributed to the structure fire that claimed the woman’s life.
“Investigators found the origin of the fire in the bed area where Barbara was laying, and it concluded she had fallen asleep while smoking,” Sgt. Brandon Buell of Hurricane City PD stated in an email. “Based on the circumstances, the cause of the fire is determined to be accidental.”
The fire broke out just after 2 a.m., and while a 40-year-old man made it safely outside, Smiley and her dog were killed in the fire. Residents in several nearby units were evacuated as a precaution.
Neighbors told FOX 13 News Monday the victim of the fire is paraplegic and has been bed-ridden for more than 30 years. They said she could not move without help.
“She was a good friend,” said neighbor Rosalee Linam. “And I knew her dog well too.”
