House fire claims life of Libby man
Roger Guches with the Lincoln County Sheriff's Department walks around the outside of a home at 175 Pearl St., where Robert Eppler, 66, died from a Sunday fire. The cause of the fire doesn't appear suspicious. (Photo by Gwen Albers)
By GWEN ALBERS Western News Reporter
A Libby man died from apparent smoke inhalation in a Sunday fire at his home.
Robert Eppler, 66, of 175 Pearl St., was found in the living room, said Steve Lauer, assistant fire marshal with Libby Volunteer Fire Department. Two dogs also died in the 11:30 a.m. blaze at the home off Highway 2 South across from Farm to Market Road and Aitkens Quik Stop.
The cause of the fire as of Tuesday morning remained unknown, but doesn't appear suspicious, Lauer said. It's believed to have started in a bedroom. He expected to make a ruling by Tuesday afternoon.
A neighbor reported the fire and apparently attempted to alert Eppler, Lauer said.
"I believe he attempted to knock on the door," he said.
The home had no smoke detectors.
"I think that was the biggest thing," Lauer said.
The sheriff's department also was involved in the investigation.
"It's standard procedure," Lauer said. "When you have a death, the more agencies you have involved."
Lincoln County Coroner Steve Schnackenberg said he will not make an official ruling in the death until he gets results from blood tests, which will be checked for the carbon monoxide level.
"It will probably be a week or so before I can get that," Schnackenberg said.
He believes the death is from smoke inhalation.
"I'm pretty sure that's what it is," Schnackenberg said. "Indicators lead us to believe that's exactly what it is."
Damage to the outside of the single-story wood-frame home didn't appear extensive.