ST PAUL, Minn. — Authorities say a 73-year-old man died and two others were hospitalized after a fire in a St. Paul apartment building.
The Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office said James Sparks died from Tuesday's blaze, which was contained to one unit.
According to the St. Paul Fire Department, firefighters were called out to the Johnson Parkway Apartments in the 1300 block of Ames Ave just after 2 p.m.
Crews quickly put out the fire, which they say was likely caused by smoking. Officials say there was a smoke detector in the unit, but it wasn't working.
Authorities said Sparks' death was the first fire fatality of the year in St. Paul. All other residents of the building were able to return to their units.
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