Investigation of Auburn fire points to cigarette
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BY JOE DUGGAN / Lincoln Journal Star
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.
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D.A. wrote on February 22, 2008 4:36 pm:
The passing of the statewide smoking ban today is the best thing the legislature has done in the last 25 years. "
Randy...Quaid wrote on February 23, 2008 3:37 am:
While we're at it, why not ban all candles, ovens, irons, and electric-circuits as well? They all are well-known to cause fires.
I'm happy that this statewide smoking ban was a personal "victory" for you, for what reason/logic...we'll never know.
If you're concerned about your health, stop going to bars.
If you're concerned about your health, stop drinking.
If you're concerned about your health, stop eating McDonalds.
Heck, why not ban cars? They cause incomprehensible fatalities/year.
As a matter of fact, ban everything! We all know that people aren't capable of personal-accountability; which is exactly what your (and D.A.'s) opinion(s) is/are based on.
Yes, cigarettes are extremely unhealthy/deadly. Yet, so are many of the "accepted" legally on the market. One is not worse than the other.
Wake up, and smell the hypocrisy.
"
Randy...Quaid wrote on February 23, 2008 3:51 am:
Oh, that's right...alcohol-consumption and cigarette-smoking are the backbone of our state's budget...TAXES.
If the State of Nebraska were to ban alcohol AND cigarettes...I wouldn't see them as hypocrites.
If our senators were TRULY concerned about the health of its citizens...it would ban both alcohol and tobacco.
Unfortunately for all of us, the taxes imposed on those consuming these products pay for our state's infrastructure - roads, schools, etc.
For those of you that support the ban on tobacco products because of "health reasons", I ask you this - Why not ban these drugs?
The answer is simple: you are selfish people.
Imagine the taxes in Lincoln, Nebraska if both tobacco and alcohol were banned.
That's why you support a ban of "smoking in public places", yet you don't call for an overall prohibition of these substances you so hate.
"
Fred wrote on February 23, 2008 7:24 am:
Curt wrote on February 23, 2008 6:43 pm:
The Omega Man wrote on February 23, 2008 6:44 pm:
Larry K. Musich wrote on February 23, 2008 10:49 pm:
rude wrote on March 2, 2008 1:20 pm: