Officials rule Rochester man died of natural causes; fire said accidental

ROCHESTER - The victim of a Rochester fire last Thursday died of natural causes while smoking near medical oxygen, according to safety officials after completing an investigation into the incident.

An autopsy performed Saturday by the Office of the New Hampshire Medical Examiner revealed that the "manner of death was natural and the cause of death was a pre-existing medical condition," according to a press release from the state Fire Marshal's office released today.

James Richardson, 69, of Rochester, has been identified as the victim.

A 911 caller reported a medical emergency inside a residence at 105 Whitehouse Road, Lot 59, around 11:30 a.m., but when first responders arrived they found that a fire had already occurred inside the mobile home but had self-extinguished prior to their arrival.

The fire investigation revealed that the cause of the fire was accidental and was attributed to smoking while using medical oxygen.

Richardson's body was located inside the home.

State Fire Marshal J. William Degnan took the opportunity to warn all citizens of the extreme dangers of smoking while using or in close proximity to medical oxygen.

Rapid fire development and increased intensity can occur, causing serious injury or death.

Smoking is the leading cause of burns, reported fires, deaths, and injuries involving home medical oxygen.

Also he urged the public to ensure you have working smoke alarms and a fire escape plan.