Investigation of Auburn fire points to cigarette
A cigarette has emerged as the likely culprit in Thursday’s fatal fire in Auburn.
The early morning fire at South Glen Apartments killed Shawnee Hammer, 45, and left her 45-year-old husband, Gene Hammer, hospitalized. He remained in critical condition Friday at St. Elizabeth Regional Medical Center in Lincoln.
Nemaha County Attorney Louie Ligouri said Friday the investigation points to a cigarette as the cause. However, a Nebraska State Fire Marshal investigator is still completing his reports, and there’s a possibility his findings could change.
“At this point, it's his opinion it was caused by a cigarette,” Ligouri said. “He didn't find any other source for the fire.”
Both of the Hammers smoked, Ligouri said, and Shawnee Hammer was known to frequently sleep on the living room couch. The fire started in the living room.
She also used medical oxygen for a lung condition. Ligouri said the investigator does not believe the cigarette ignited the oxygen, although the tanks may have exploded after the fire had spread.
An autopsy was conducted on Shawnee Hammer Friday morning in Omaha. The preliminary results showed she died of carbon monoxide poisoning as a result of smoke inhalation.
The eight-unit apartment building was determined to be a total loss, but a damage estimate was not available, Ligouri said.
The fire also displaced 10 other people in four families. The Southeastern Nebraska Chapter of the American Red Cross provided emergency shelter and assistance to the families, said Red Cross spokeswoman Alexis Zgud.
Meanwhile, the Nemaha County Ministerial Association has started a relief fund for the fire victims, said the Rev. John Henderson, a local United Methodist minister.
Donations will be deposited at Carson National Bank and will be disbursed to all people affected by the fire. Make checks or money orders to the Auburn Fire Victims’ Fund and mail to Carson National Bank, P.O. Box 290, Auburn, NE, 68305.
Those who would like to contribute to the Red Cross’ fire relief efforts in the region can send contributions to Southeastern Nebraska Chapter American Red Cross, P.O. Box 682, Beatrice, NE, 68310, or donate online at cornhuskerredcross.org.
Reach Joe Duggan at 473-7239 or jduggan@journalstar.com.
The early morning fire at South Glen Apartments killed Shawnee Hammer, 45, and left her 45-year-old husband, Gene Hammer, hospitalized. He remained in critical condition Friday at St. Elizabeth Regional Medical Center in Lincoln.
Nemaha County Attorney Louie Ligouri said Friday the investigation points to a cigarette as the cause. However, a Nebraska State Fire Marshal investigator is still completing his reports, and there’s a possibility his findings could change.
“At this point, it's his opinion it was caused by a cigarette,” Ligouri said. “He didn't find any other source for the fire.”
Both of the Hammers smoked, Ligouri said, and Shawnee Hammer was known to frequently sleep on the living room couch. The fire started in the living room.
She also used medical oxygen for a lung condition. Ligouri said the investigator does not believe the cigarette ignited the oxygen, although the tanks may have exploded after the fire had spread.
An autopsy was conducted on Shawnee Hammer Friday morning in Omaha. The preliminary results showed she died of carbon monoxide poisoning as a result of smoke inhalation.
The eight-unit apartment building was determined to be a total loss, but a damage estimate was not available, Ligouri said.
The fire also displaced 10 other people in four families. The Southeastern Nebraska Chapter of the American Red Cross provided emergency shelter and assistance to the families, said Red Cross spokeswoman Alexis Zgud.
Meanwhile, the Nemaha County Ministerial Association has started a relief fund for the fire victims, said the Rev. John Henderson, a local United Methodist minister.
Donations will be deposited at Carson National Bank and will be disbursed to all people affected by the fire. Make checks or money orders to the Auburn Fire Victims’ Fund and mail to Carson National Bank, P.O. Box 290, Auburn, NE, 68305.
Those who would like to contribute to the Red Cross’ fire relief efforts in the region can send contributions to Southeastern Nebraska Chapter American Red Cross, P.O. Box 682, Beatrice, NE, 68310, or donate online at cornhuskerredcross.org.
Reach Joe Duggan at 473-7239 or jduggan@journalstar.com.
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