Cigarette May Have Started Deadly Blaze

Fire investigators believe a cigarette may have started the fire that killed a Belvidere couple early Monday morning.
State fire marshal, Al Christie says a van caught fire and spread to the garage and house.

80-year-old Thomas Carrico and his 79-year-old wife, Helen, were inside at the time.

Christie says Thomas was a heavy smoker, and suspects
a full ashtray or a smoldering cigarette caused the fire.

The fire destroyed four vehicles, a camper and a garage, as well as the house.

Firefighters were able to keep the blaze from spreading to a neighbor's home and propane tank.