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RPD: Man died before fire began at Reno mobile home

Page Last Updated: Thursday November 5, 2009 2:47pm PST

A firefighter works inside a trailer that caught fire in Reno Tuesday morning.
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The resident of a Moana Lane mobile home that caught fire on October 27 died of natural causes before the fire started, according to an autopsy conducted by the Washoe County Medical Examiner's office and investigation by Reno Police detectives and investigators from the Reno Fire Department.

According to Reno Police detectives, Jack Lee Davis, 73, died of natural causes prior to the fire that occurred in his single-wide mobile home at 1105 East Moana Lane, Space #7 at about 10:47 a.m. on October 27. Two Reno Police officers attempted to make entry into the mobile home prior to arrival of the Reno Fire Department, after being advised by neighbors that a single male occupied the home. However, they were unable to make entry to due heavy smoke and were later treated and release for smoke inhalation. Arriving firefighters were able to make entry and discovered the victim in the bedroom during search and fire suppression activities.

Reno Fire Department investigators determined the cause of the fire was related to the power supply to an electric blanket that was in use on the bed where the victim was discovered. Investigators say the control for the electric blanket was in the "on" position.

Reno firefighters confined the fire to the bedroom where it started. Fire investigators estimated the damage to the mobile home at about $5,000.00. There were 20 firefighters on scene with three structure fire engines, a ladder truck, an air support unit, and including a battalion chief, safety officer and fire investigator. Reno Police provided fire scene security and traffic control

-Spokesman Steve Frady provided this report.

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