The dog is used to detect flammable liquids. A Corpus Christi woman died Wednesday morning less than three feet from a patio door that would have meant an escape from her burning home. Mike Borden said.
Investigators say the fire probably was ignited by a cigarette.
Dr. Lloyd White said Smith died of smoke inhalation. The fire started on the bed in a small bedroom in the front of the house, spreading to the attic and engulfing the home. When the first firefighters arrived they found flames shooting out of the roof, said Assistant Chief R.K. Gibson. While some firefighters fought the blaze, others went inside to search the house. That's where they found Smith.