No Foul Play Suspected in Death of Woman Found in Scorched Room

Gwinnett Fire investigators were waiting on forensic results before making a determination on the cause of a Saturday night fire in a Norcross townhouse where a 53-year-old woman died.

The fire happened in a room at a Heritage Valley Road residence around 6:30 p.m. Saturday, May 31. Heather Ferguson was found dead in a room where a fire had occurred earlier, but was not active when firefighters arrived.

An investigator with the Gwinnett Medical Examiner’s Office told the Gwinnett Daily Post Ferguson died of smoke and soot inhalation.

Gwinnett Fire Capt. Tommy Rutledge said in a Tuesday evening press release said smoking may be connected to the fire.

“According to family, the woman was a chain smoker, which is consistent with evidence found at the scene,” Rutledge said. “Fire Investigators are awaiting forensics results from the lab before making a final determination on the cause of the fire.  It is not certain at this point whether smoking was a contributing factor.”

Rutledge said fire investigators do not suspect foul play in the fire.