January 29, 2008

Albemarle County fire officials say that as a result of their investigation they have traced the cause of the fatal fire to the first floor fireplace.

The fire happened Saturday night on 147 Woodlake Drive in Albemarle County. Investigators eliminated all other potential causes of the fire except for candles that had been burning on the mantle of the fireplace, which is assumed caused the fire.

The identity of the victim and the cause of death of the victim are still unconfirmed. Preliminary indications from the autopsy are consistent with thermal burns and smoke inhalation.