PALMER, Mass. (AP) - Investigators say smoking caused a fatal fire at a Palmer apartment building this week.
Authorities on Friday said the cause of the blaze reported at about 2 a.m. Thursday was the "improper disposal of smoking materials.
"The fire claimed the life of a man believed to be 66 years old. His name was not released pending proper identification and notification of family.
The fire originated on the third-floor rear porch of the victim's apartment where he had set up an upholstered recliner for smoking outside.
He called 911 to report the fire before succumbing. Twelve people including children were displaced from the six-unit building.
The state fire marshal's office says it was the state's fourth fatal fire of the year caused by smoking.
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