By: Jessica Cihacek
jcihacek@kcautv.com.
It's Sioux City's second fatal fire this year. Fire officials believe 71-year-old, Delbert Rowse died of smoke inhalation after falling asleep while smoking a cigar.
Smoke and flames were visible from this single story home at 1016 21st Street in Sioux City, when Sioux City fire crews responded at about 1:40 Saturday morning.
Rowse was found inside the basement on a sofa, which had smoldered from a lit cigar.
He later died at the hospital from smoke inhalation.
Fire officials say there were working smoke alarms inside the house at the time of the fire, but when a person is sleeping, they say his or her senses are already not as strong as they'd be if he or she were awake. That's why smoking fires can sometimes be the most dangerous.
Sioux City Fire Marshall, Mark Aesoph, says, "The fires from these can take a while to get going. They'll sit and smolder for quite some time in furniture. It's one of those where the safest place to smoke is outside."
Here are some other important reminders to keep in mind when using smoking materials.
-Use a sturdy, non–combustible ashtray.
-Make sure smoking materials and ashes are completely out before discarding them.
-Never smoke in a home where oxygen is being used.
-If you smoke, fire-safe cigarettes are better.
-Most importantly, be alert! Never smoke in bed or when sleepy.
For a free fire inspection for your home, call the Sioux City Fire Department at 712-279-6377
