The Essex County Attorney's Office said Judy Church, 64, called police to her home November 11. First responders found Leroy Fowler in "obvious medical distress."
Because of the "catastrophic damage" in the area where the fire started and surrounding structures, investigators were not able to rule out the improper disposal of smoking materials or an electrical event as potential causes of the fire.
A High Wind Warning remained in effect for the immediate New Hampshire, Maine and Massachusetts coasts until 4 p.m. as wind gusts of up to 60 mph continued into the afternoon.