Fatal fire at Longmont's AAA Electric ruled accidental

Longmont Fire Marshal Michele Goldman has ruled that the fatal fire at AAA Electric on April 3 was accidental. Coming nearly two months later, Goldman said the investigation reports show the fire was caused by "an electric space heater in close proximity...

Fatal fire at Longmont's AAA Electric ruled accidental

Longmont Fire Marshal Michele Goldman has ruled that the fatal fire at AAA Electric on April 3 was accidental.

Coming nearly two months later, Goldman said the investigation reports show the fire was caused by "an electric space heater in close proximity to combustibles within a small living space."

Richard "Rick" Benz, a AAA employee, had been living in a 10-foot-by-10-foot makeshift living area constructed of various pieces of wood and wood pallets, with electrical extension cords extending from the main building to electric space heaters inside the shed, police said.

Goldman said the Longmont Police Department's investigation is ongoing.

Longmont Chief Building Official Chris Allison previously said he would not be issuing any code violations or fines to the business.

Amelia Arvesen: 303-684-5212, arvesena@times-call.com or twitter.com/ameliaarvesen

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