Man dies in morning Roxborough fire

A middle-aged man died in a morning fire in the city's Roxborough section.

The fire broke out shortly after 5 a.m. at a three-story rowhouse at 419 Conarroe St. and was under control at 5:27 a.m., according to Executive Fire Chief Daniel A. Williams.

Smoke was coming out of the first floor when firefighters arrived, and two or more residents managed to escape, perhaps thanks to a functioning upstairs smoke alarm, Williams said.

The victim - the brother of a retired firefighter - was found dead on the first floor, where two smoke alarms had been disconnected, Williams said.

Neighbors said the victim was smoking when he fell asleep on a couch, but Williams could not confirm that.

The man's was being withheld this morning pending notification of kin.

The fire seemed to be contained to the one residence.