Fatal fire blamed on
careless smoking

VANDALIA, Ohio (WDTN) - Vandalia fire officials have ruled that the improper handling of smoking materials is to blame for a fire that claimed the life of a Vandalia woman and injured two others.

Fire Chief Chad Follick said the fire started Thursday morning at about 7:00 at the Robert Hock Apartments, 111 Dixie Drive.

The victim of the fire is described as a female in her late 50's or early 60's.

Two residents in the apartment building were rescued from the structure and taken to area hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries.

Two others, family members of the deceased victim, were transported to area hospitals.

Ten residents of the apartment building have been displaced due to the fire.

The Red Cross is assisting occupants in need of relocation aid.

Damage to the building and contents has been set at $150,000.