RYEGATE, VT — Investigators from the Vermont Department of Public Safety Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit have determined that a fire earlier this month that killed a homeowner in Ryegate was accidental.
Although the exact cause of the Dec. 18 fire is undetermined, the investigation has identified the most likely origin as either discarded smoking materials or space heaters placed in close proximity to combustibles.
The victim is identified as Shirley Tracy, 75, of Ryegate, who lived in the home where the fire was reported about 5:15 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18.
The Ryegate Fire Department responded to the scene following reports from neighbors about a fire at the home.
Firefighters subsequently requested assistance from the Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit in investigating the origin and cause of the fire.
The blaze is classified officially as undetermined cause, non-suspicious.
