NORTH HAMPTON, N.H. (AP) - The state fire marshal says a lack of smoke alarms and hoarding conditions contributed to the death of an 87-year-old man in a fire in North Hampton.
Officials say William Kelson died Tuesday of smoke inhalation.
Authorities said Wednesday that the fire started accidentally in Kelson’s living room due to an overloaded and non-grounded electrical outlet. Due to hoarding conditions, there was only one usable doorway to get out of the home, and the fire’s proximity to that door blocked Kelson’s means of escape.
Authorities also said they believe there was a delay in Kelson becoming aware of the fire because there were no smoke detectors.
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