Man and woman die in house fire
A man and a woman living in a foreclosed home without utility service died in a fire Sunday, authorities said.
“We know that the utilities had been shut off,” said Ron Knueven, Norco Fire Department battalion chief. “They had no electric, gas or water. They were using flashlights and candles.”
The cause of the fire, which was fed by mild Santa Ana winds, has not been determined. Preliminary toxicological tests determined that the woman died of smoke inhalation.
She has not been identified, pending notification of next of kin. The man, Ronald Hermanson, 51, was declared dead at a hospital early Sunday. Both were found on the kitchen floor of the home in the 2000 block of Caballeros Road.
Southern California Edison shut off the power Wednesday.
-- John Spano
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