The Lee County Sheriff’s Office says the cause of this week’s deadly fire in Saint Paul may never be determined due to the extensive damage.
The house was fully engulfed when first responders arrived on the scene Monday.
Audie Ellard II, 59, and his wife, Karma Ellard, 52, died in the fire.
Lee County Medical Examiner, Dr. Eugenio Torres, says the cause of death for both was smoke inhalation.
He says lab results are pending to confirm the preliminary conclusion.
The Iowa State Fire Marshall's Office, West Point Fire and Rescue, Denmark Fire and Rescue, Houghton Fire and Rescue and the Fort Madison Community Hospital were also involved in the investigation.
