By Blake Haas
NORMAL – Normal Fire Department Investigators, with the assistance of the Normal Police Department and the McLean County Coroner’s Office, has concluded their investigation of a fatal fire in the 1300 block of Baugh Drive.
Fire investigators have determined that the fire originated in the kitchen, in the area of the stove, and no foul play is suspected. The investigation also discovered there were no working smoke detectors present.
Preliminary autopsy results indicate Judith Dawson, 76, of Normal, died from carbon monoxide intoxication due to inhalation of smoke and soot due to the house fire.
NFD spokesman Matt Swaney said firefighters were called just before 3:30 p.m. to a home in the 1300 block of Baugh Drive last Wednesday.
Swaney said fire crews found heavy smoke inside and quickly pulled the victim from the home. Paramedics transported the woman to Advocate BroMenn Medical Center where she was pronounced dead, according to McLean County Coroner Kathy Yoder.
Swaney said there was heavy smoke, heat, and water damage in the home. Windows were broken because of intense heat and firefighters’ efforts to ventilate the home, according to Swaney.
The loss of a life from a fire is something we don’t take lightly,” said Fire Chief Mick Humer in a news release. “You need to check your smoke alarms and make sure they work properly, and if you have elderly neighbors or relatives, check in with them, and help them to make sure their detectors are working, too.”
Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected]
