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Police say fatal fire is suspicious

AuSABLE FORKS — New York State Police are investigating a fatal fire that the agency is now calling “suspicious.”

The fire broke out at around 2:15 a.m. Aug. 29 at 2456 state Route 9N, AuSable Forks. The cause of the fire, which ultimately took the life of 87-year-old resident Marion T. Collins, is still under investigation, according to State Police.

“The fire is suspicious in nature and we are not ruling out arson,” a news release from the agency reads. “However, the cause and origin of the fire remains under investigation, as well as the manner of (Collins’) death.”

An autopsy conducted by Dr. Michael Sikirica at Glens Falls Hospital on Aug. 30 determined that Collins died of asphyxia because of smoke inhalation and “heated products of combustion,” according to State Police. Firefighters found Collins inside the burned building on Aug. 29.

The fire also displaced three people, who received aid from the Northeastern New York Chapter of the American Red Cross after the blaze.

Anyone with information about the fire is asked to call State Police at 518-873-2777.

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