Cedar Rapids manufactured home fire caused by smoking materials, investigators say

UPDATE: Investigators have determined a fire that displaced a couple and their baby likely started due to smoking materials that were not discarded properly.

No one was hurt in the blaze, which was reported around 1 a.m. Wednesday at 5920 Wabash St. SW in Cedar Rapids. Clint Aldeman, 28, and Morgan Hames, 27, escaped with their 10-month old daughter when smoke alarms went off.

Officials said the fire originated on a wooden deck, where smoking materials had been discarded. Flames spread from the deck to the siding and eventually to the roof of the manufactured home. Damage was extensive.

Two dogs that were inside the home also survived the fire. The family planned to stay with relatives, fire department spokesman Greg Buelow said.

Officials recommend using water or sand to extinguish cigarettes and ashes. Ashtrays should be deep and sturdy, and placed away from anything that could burn.

[mqMap key="w0kL" width="485" height="420" src="http://www.mapquest.com/embed?icid=mqdist_mb_wp&c=w0kL&maptype=map&zm=12&cr=41.95616000000002,-91.74674399999999&projection=sm&showScale=false"]My New Map[/mqMap]