Fire kills NC man, sends his mother to hospital

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Authorities say a cigarette sparked a house fire that killed a 43-year-old North Carolina man and seriously injured his mother.

The Charlotte Observer reports Charles Kipling Isaac of Claremont died at a hospital after firefighters found him Saturday. His mother, Kay Price Isaac, was taken to a Winston-Salem burn center. She was listed in serious condition.

A neighbor called 911 about 6:15 a.m. Saturday. Fire investigators believe the fire started in a back bedroom.

Fire officials say both Charles and Kay Isaac were found in a hallway near the back of the house.

Claremont Fire Chief Gary Sigmon says they were trying to get out.

An autopsy will determine what killed Charles Isaac. Sigmon suspects smoke inhalation.

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Oct 31, 2009 - 7:05 p.m. EDT

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