Journal photo/ Frieda Squires
East Providence firefighters clean up after extinguishing a fire at 106 South Blossom, East Providence, that claimed the life of a man who lived in the house.
EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- An East Providence man who died in a house fire Thursday has been identified as Ronald Duarte, 68, Acting Fire Chief Oscar Elmasian said.
Duarte was rescued from the burning house and taken to Rhode Island Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, Elmasian said.
Firefighters were called to 106 S. Blossom St. Thursday morning. Neighbors told firefighters they believed Duarte was home. A relative, reached over the phone by one of the neighbors, directed firefighters to a back bedroom, where Duarte was found, Elmasian said.
Investigators ruled the fire accidental, noting an improperly disposed cigarette sparked the fire in the living room, causing moderate to heavy damage to the front section of the house, Elmasian said.
No one else was home at the time of the fire.
A 91-year-old woman died in a house fire in Lincoln on Tuesday. Her 90-year-old husband escaped.
-- An earlier version, from the Associated press, was published at 1:37 p.m.