One Dead After House Fire Monday Afternoon In Cottondale

COTTONDALE, AL — The Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit is continuing to investigate a fatal house fire in Cottondale Monday afternoon that left one person dead.

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Captain Jack Kennedy, commander of the multi-agency unit, said around 4 p.m. emergency crews from Coaling and Tuscaloosa responded to the 19000 block of West Manor Drive in Cottondale on the report of a house fire.

The female homeowner, whose identity has not been released at this time, was found deceased by fire fighters once they entered the home. Kennedy went on to point out that investigators learned the victim often smoked cigarettes in bed and said nothing indicates anything other than an accidental fire as of Tuesday morning.

The Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit is responsible for investigating the majority of unnatural deaths in the metropolitan area.

"The State Fire Marshal’s Office also responded and will be working alongside the VCU to investigate the cause and origin of the fire," Kennedy said.

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