GLENDALE : Fatal Fire Blamed on Worn-Out Cord
A worn-out extension cord in the living room of a Glendale home caused last week’s fire that killed a 63-year-old man, officials said Monday.
“The cause of the fire was accidental in nature,” said Glendale Fire Battalion Chief Mike Carter. “It was faulty electrical wiring.”
Richard Tellep’s charred body was discovered late Friday in the kitchen of his home after firefighters had extinguished the blaze in the 1700 block of Camulos Avenue, Carter said. Flames originated in the living room but spread throughout the house.
A neighbor called 911 and reported the fire at 10:56 p.m., and 26 firefighters responded to the home in five minutes. The fire caused $70,000 in damages.
On Monday, an autopsy report revealed that Tellep died of smoke inhalation and burns, said coroner’s spokesman Scott Carrier.
Neighbors said Tellep, who lived alone, cared about the neighborhood.
“He used to go around and put everybody’s trash barrel (back) on Fridays,” a neighbor said.
“He’s going to be missed by the neighborhood.”
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
