IPSWICH — Careless disposal of a cigarette is the likely cause of a two-alarm fire at a Great Neck home more than two weeks ago, fire officials said.
Fire Chief Arthur Howe said a report on the Nov. 5 fire released yesterday said the resident and homeowner, Annmarie Hughes, fell asleep while sitting in a chair in a room off the living room.
She had been smoking, Howe said.
No one was injured in the blaze.
Hughes woke up and saw the side of her chair was on fire, Howe said.
The fire at 27 Bayview Road caused approximately $250,000 in damage to the two-story home.
"It's a question of whether they would want to rebuild, or knock down (the home) and reconstruct," Howe said.
Howe said the fire alarm in the next room activated, but he's not sure if that woke her up, or if the heat or crackling of the fire roused her.
Hughes told investigators — police Detective Peter Dziadose and firefighter Jerome Tinel — she went to the kitchen to grab water to try to put out the fire, but realized it was too large.
She also mistakenly called 411, the number for directory assistance, instead of 911, Howe said. An operator eventually patched her through to Ipswich police and fire dispatchers.
Hughes told investigators she grabbed her dog and cell phone and got out of the house.
But neighbors said the night of the fire Hughes was still in the house. They said a man who lives across the street ran into the house and helped Hughes and her dog outside.
Hughes is staying with her daughter in the interim.
Howe said the fire highlights "common-sense things to be aware of."
"Don't smoke while sleepy or drowsy," Howe said. "It's a deadly combination."
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
Raw Video: Giants Celebrate Another Super Bowl
Cab Driver Helps Wis. Family Escape House Fire
Greek Leaders Seek Deal As Bankruptcy Looms
Bernanke: Recovery Depends on Consumer Spending
Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe
Eastwood in Super Bowl Ad 'Compassionate'
Stranded Fishermen Rescued From Bay of Green Bay
Analyst: Outside Troops Won't Intervene in Syria
Police: Father Planned Deadly Fire for Some Time
US, UK Pressure on Syria; More Homs Violence
Raw Video: Mass Killer Wants Medal, Freedom
Court Strips Contador of Tour De France Title
Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
And the Winner for Best Super Bowl Ad Is...
Romney Latest Poll to Join Let-me-explain Club
