HOT SPRINGS - State fire officials say the June 24 fire that claimed a Hot Springs man was an accident.

James C. Stringer, 62, is believed to have died from smoke inhalation, according to Hot Springs Police Chief Bob Evans.

"Right now, it appears that the victim fell asleep on his couch and a cigarette set the couch on fire," Evans said. "I am leaning toward smoke inhalation as a cause of death, pending the final autopsy results."

Brooke Bohnenkamp of the South Dakota Department of Public Safety said that the State Fire Marshal determined that "It was an accidental fire, likely caused by smoking material."

Hot Springs Fire Department and Ambulance was called to 338 North Canton St. around 6 a.m. June 24 by a neighbor reporting smoke coming from the house.

Evans said that Stringer had been dead for some time before the fire department arrived.