Mother, toddler son die in home fire

A woman and her 2-year-old son died in the early morning hours Saturday after a fire destroyed their trailer home on Spencer Hill Avenue in Libby.

Investigators determined that an ashtray containing a lit cigarette tipped over into the couch, between a cushion and the couch back, causing the fire. Lorna L. Coffman, 26, and her 2-year-old son, Montie McPherson, died at the scene from smoke inhalation.

Steve Lauer, assistant fire marshal, said they were in a bedroom at the time of the fire. The home had no smoke detectors.

Fifteen firefighters responded after a 911 call was made at 12:48 a.m.

For more on the story, see the July 22 edition of The Western News or check back online.