Smoking Likely Cause Of Waltham Fire That Killed Mother, Son

WALTHAM, Mass. (AP) — Investigators say a house fire earlier this week in Waltham that took the life of a 75-year-old woman and her adult son was likely the result of smoking, although the exact cause of the blaze cannot be pinpointed.

In a joint statement from the state Fire Marshal and Waltham's fire chief, investigators say they have ruled out arson, cooking, heating and electrical as possible causes.

However, 49-year-old Eric Miller was known to be a heavy smoker and the fire originated in his second-floor bedroom.

The Ash Street fire reported at about 3 a.m. Monday took the life of Miller and his mother, Elizabeth Miller.

State Fire Marshal Stephen Coan says there have been nine fire deaths in Massachusetts this year.