Victim identified in apartment fire

The victim from Monday’s fatal fire in downtown Winchester has been identified, as investigators continue to establish a cause for the fire.

Jeremy Smith, 32, died in his apartment at 319 N. Main St. early Monday morning, Clark County Deputy Coroner Sarah Crews said. An autopsy established a preliminary cause of death as smoke inhalation.

Firefighters were called to the address around 2:30 a.m. Monday for a report of smoke in the area. Neighbors told firefighters they believed Smith was still inside his apartment. When firefighters forced their way into the apartment, they found Smith’s body inside, Winchester Fire-EMS Battalion Chief Jason Keller said previously.

Winchester Fire-EMS Maj. Gary Henry said at this point there is nothing to indicate foul play, but the investigation is far from complete. Henry said he sent several items to the lab for testing, and a private investigator for the insurance company may send more.

“Nothing looks like foul play, but until we figure it out, they’re all suspicious,” he said.

Smith lived in apartment 3, which is a single-room apartment with a bathroom, Henry said.

“There wasn’t a lot of fire damage,” he said. “There was a lot of heat and smoke damage.”

It appears the fire may have started behind the refrigerator and television, but the exact cause has not been determined, he said.

“As to what started it, we don’t know yet,” Henry said.

The Winchester Police Department is also conducting a death investigation in the fire.

Firefighters were on the scene for about five hours Monday morning. One apartment in the building received minor damage, while the other two were unharmed.

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