Officials say Cigarette to Blame in Deadly Des Moines Fire

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By Becky Ogann

Story Created: Apr 9, 2009 at 8:43 AM CST

Story Updated: Apr 9, 2009 at 8:43 AM CST

DES MOINES (AP) - Authorities say careless smoking is to blame for a fire that killed a 10-year-old Des Moines girl.

Police released the cause of the weekend fire on Wednesday, saying a man living next door passed out with a lit cigarette.

Firefighters were called to the apartment house Saturday night. Three people were taken to the hospital, including 10-year-old Czu Toffoi and her grandparents.

Czu died a day later. Her grandparents remain in critical condition at University Hospitals in Iowa City.

Police say the neighbor passed out in his bedroom with a lit cigarette after drinking. They say the fire was an accident and no charges will be filed.

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