Queens Woman Dies In Blaze Caused By Cigarette

An 89-year-old Queens woman died in a fire that was apparently caused by a lit cigarette, authorities said.

Aug. 8, 2004

NEW YORK (AP) -- An 89-year-old Queens woman died in a fire that was apparently caused by a lit cigarette, authorities said.

Margret Yearby was smoking in her bed early Saturday morning when she dropped the cigarette, which ignited the blaze at about 7:30 a.m., said Susan Blake, a Fire Department spokeswoman.

Yearby's grandson, Michael Warner, 30, was asleep in the apartment when the flames broke out but couldn't reach Yearby in time to help.

``She was calling me,'' Yearby told The Daily News for Sunday editions. ``I went to her, but there was fire and thick smoke. I tried to get water to put it out, but I couldn't see her so I went to the hallway to get help.''

There were no other injuries.