Woman dies in house fire

The Garland County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the apparent fire-related death of a local woman Sunday night.

Linda Camp, 65, of 215 Winchester Point, was found inside her home shortly after 7:41 p.m. Sunday, Garland County Sheriff Mike McCormick said Monday.

An initial investigation indicates Camp succumbed to smoke inhalation, McCormick said, adding that it was an ongoing investigation.

Autumn Carlisle, fire chief/director of operations of the 70 West Fire Department, said in a news release Monday that the department received a call at around 7:48 p.m. for a “cardiac arrest, possible deceased person.”

“Our units arrived simultaneously with LifeNet EMS and found Garland County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) already on scene. GCSO advised our personnel of suspicious circumstances that it appeared there had been a fire at the residence,” Carlisle said. McCormick said the sheriff’s department responded at 7:41 p.m., after receiving a call that there was a deceased person at the residence.

There was no damage or signs of fire visible from the streetside exterior of the residence, “only a faint odor of smoke as you approached the structure,” she said.

Utilities were disconnected and the structure was checked for safety prior to investigators entering the residence, she said.

“Once it was determined that the fire had extinguished itself due to lack of oxygen and there was no danger of it reigniting, they were able to enter the residence to safely conduct their investigation,” Carlisle said.

Camp was found in the room where the fire occurred, about a foot from the exit door.

“It appeared the fire had occurred earlier in the afternoon and the occupant

attempted to escape but was unsuccessful and the fire essentially died out due to lack of oxygen. The fire was a room and contents type fire with heavy smoke and heat damage,” Carlisle said.

The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation.