Deadly Apartment Fire

Mobile Fire-Rescue is investigating an early morning fire that claimed the life of 44-year-old Vincent Milne.

Neighbors called 911 at 2:24 a.m. Tuesday to report a fire at 21 Westwood Street. That's just off Dauphin Street in the Midtown area. When firefighters arrived two minutes later, heavy fire was coming from all four side of the second floor, wood frame garage apartment.

Once they got the fire put out, firefighters found Milne dead in the bathroom.

Family members told investigators that Milne was a heavy smoker. Investigators believe the fire started in an ashtray or on a piece of furniture in corner of the living room. They also think Milne was asleep in his bed when the fire started and that he couldn't get out. So he closed his bedroom door to prevent the fire and smoke from spreading. Firefighters say Milne then went into the bathroom, closed the door, turned on the water faucet and wet a towel to breath through to help filter the smoke. Unfortunately it was not enough.

An autopsy will be performed by the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences to determine the exact cause of death.

News 5's Tiffany Craig is following this story and will have more tonight on News 5 at 5:00 and 6:00.