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Authorities Identify Man Killed In Somersworth, NH House Fire

SOMERSWORTH, N.H. (CBS) — Authorities have identified the man killed in a Somersworth, New Hampshire house fire as 54-year-old Janis Millers.

New Hampshire State Fire Marshal William Degnan, fire chief Keith Hoyle, and police chief Dean Crombie identified the man in a press statement released Saturday night.

Firefighters were called to a South Street house about 5:44 p.m. Friday after several calls were made to the department. They discovered heavy fire at the front of the home on all floors, including the attic.

Officials say Millers was found dead on the second floor hallway near a bedroom. An autopsy done Saturday revealed that he died of smoke inhalation.

The death has been ruled accidental.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has also been involved in the investigation.

Although the origin and cause of the blaze are under investigation, officials say the preliminary indications are that the fire started in the area of a front porch.

Degnan would like to remind everyone of the dangers of unattended or improperly discarded cigarettes and the importance of having working smoke alarms in your home.

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