By Beacon Staff
The Burlington Fire Department has concluded its investigation into the fatal August fire at an apartment complex at 1126 Washington St., and the results are inconclusive.
Investigators said the cause of the fire on Aug. 24, which took the life of 44-year-old Samantha M. Hoenig, is undetermined. The report noted that Hoenig did have working smoke alarms in her second-floor apartment.
The fire originated in Apt. 1 on the first floor. According to a press release issued by Burlington Fire Marshall Mark Crooks today, investigators were unable to rule out careless smoking or overloaded electrical extension cords as possible causes.
The Iowa State Medical Examiner’s office has determined that Hoenig died as a result of smoke inhalation, and her death is considered accidental.
The four-unit apartment house, owned by Wilson Rentals of Burlington, sustained extensive damage and is considered a total loss. The property is insured. Three of the four units were rented and occupied by a total of four people. The investigation was conducted by the Burlington Police and Fire Departments, the Iowa State Fire Marshal’s Office, and the Iowa State Medical Examiner’s Office.