Cigarette Blamed in Palmdale House Fire

A smoldering cigarette started a fire in a Palmdale house Saturday that severely injured a 33-year-old man and caused $55,000 damage to the structure, authorities said.

The fire at 1521 East Ave. R-4 started early Saturday morning after Matthew Gotch fell asleep without fully extinguishing his cigarette, Deputy Benita Hinojos of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said.

Gotch was in serious but stable condition with first- and third-degree burns over 30% of his body, Hinojos said. He was taken to the burn center at Sherman Oaks Community Hospital, she said.

Witnesses said a neighbor pulled Gotch out of the burning house after one of Gotch’s three children ran for help. No one else was injured in the blaze.