Fatal Seattle house fire likely caused by pot grow light

SEATTLE (AP) – The Seattle Fire Department says investigators believe a fatal house fire on New Year’s Eve was caused by a marijuana grow light.

The Seattle Times reports two people died in the early-morning house fire in the Rainier Valley neighborhood.

The King County Medical Examiner’s office says 75-year-old Tood Vongsay and 58-year-old Fou Parn died of smoke inhalation and thermal injury.

Seattle Fire Department spokeswoman Kristin Tinsley said in an email that fire investigators ruled the fire an accident and determined it was most likely caused by a marijuana grow light located too close to combustibles.

After nearby material ignited the fire, it spread from the basement to the rest of the house.

A Seattle Fire spokesman says firefighters found a marijuana grow operation inside the house, but did not have information about the size or whether it was sanctioned.