Fulton firefighters battled a house fire that claimed the life of an 82-year-old Fulton man Monday night.
Fire officials identified the victim as Bobby R. Metz, and said he was trapped in the blaze before First Engine Company arrived.
Interim Fire Chief Kevin Coffelt reported that the fire broke out at 1 East Reed St. at about 8:42 p.m. When fire crews arrived, they saw heavy smoke and flames emanating from the single-story house.
When fire personnel initially tried to enter the residence, they had to back out due to safety concerns about the intensity of the fire. Coffelt said crews had the fire under control within an hour of arriving on scene.
Another person was also inside the house when the fire broke out and was able to escape. The victim was transported to the Fulton Medical Center and was treated for minor burns.
Fire investigators determined that smoking materials - possibly a lit cigarette - caused the fire. Total damages were estimated at $120,000.
Coffelt said an autopsy was scheduled for Tuesday.