Cig sparked fatal blaze in Midtown

A RAGING MIDTOWN fire that killed a 76-year-old designer on Christmas Day was sparked by an unextinguished cigarette, officials said Tuesday.

FDNY fire marshals determined the 7:30 a.m. fire inside victim John Doktor’s apartment on 56th St. near Seventh Ave. was caused by smoking. The fire alarm in Doktor’s apartment was “present and operational,” a department spokesman said

The blaze, which was whipped into a frenzy by strong winds, has been labeled an accident.

Doktor, an interior designer who once worked for Anne Klein Studios, was found dead in his 35th floor apartment shortly after the blaze broke out.

By the time firefighters arrived, the winds had buffeted the flames to dangerous levels, FDNY Assistant Chief Joe Woznica said Monday.

Firefighters rode the elevator to the 25th floor, then climbed the stairs to get to Doktor’s apartment.

The blaze did not spread beyond Doktor’s apartment, officials said. Two firefighters suffered minor injuries battling the fire.