An East Point man died early Tuesday in a fire that investigators believe started with a candle igniting a sofa.
The fire, which occurred just before 1 a.m., claimed the life of a 34-year-old man who authorities had not identified late Tuesday.
Fire crews found flames shooting from the roof and windows when they arrived at the home in 1700 block of Gillem Road, fire officials said.
The house fire was reported just before 1 a.m., and fire crews arrived at the home to find flames shooting through the roof and windows, fire officials said.
Neighbors told 95.5 FM WSB News/Talk Radio that the man was house-sitting for his mother and was alone in the home.
The fire has been ruled “accidental in nature” by the East Point Fire Department and the Georgia State fire Marshal’s office.
Investigators report that the fire started in the living room and appears to have been caused by a candle igniting a sofa. The home was not equipped with a smoke detector, they said.
“We are saddened by the loss of one of our residents, and our prayers are with the family,” said Fire Chief Rosemary R. Cloud.
She said firefighters plan to canvas the immediate neighborhood with fire safety information and to offer to install smoke alarms, as needed.
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