A fire that killed a woman inside a Washington Heights home was likely caused by "careless use of smoking materials," according to Chicago Fire Department officials. Gwendolynn Smith, 88, was found by firefighters in a home that had caught fire in the 9400 block of South Lowe Avenue about 4:30 p.m., Chicago police said. CFD OFI has determined the cause of the fatal fire at 94th and Lowe to be most probably, careless use of smoking materials. CFD passed out fire safety materials on the block this morning to spread awareness. Please make sure your home is protected by smoke and CO alarms. pic.twitter.com/dLUUCvQfp8— Chicago Fire Media (@CFDMedia) April 2, 2025 Smith, who lived in the same block, was found unresponsive in the living room with burns to her body, authorities said. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Police are conducting a death investigation. ...read more read less