CHESAPEAKE – Investigators have ruled as accidental the Wednesday fire that claimed a Chesapeake man and his wife.

Saturday, July 21, 2001

CHESAPEAKE – Investigators have ruled as accidental the Wednesday fire that claimed a Chesapeake man and his wife.

Chesapeake Volunteer Fire Department firefighters responded to the blaze on Robinson Road just before 6 a.m. Wednesday, but the trailer had already suffered severe damage.

Firefighters discovered the bodies of Carson Topeka, 81, and Karen Topeka, 35, in what remained of the trailer.

The Ohio Fire Marshal’s office also responded to the fire, investigating its cause, said Karen Bowman, spokesperson.

"It was ruled accidental, and the cause is believed to be from smoking," Ms. Bowman said.

Other facts about the Wednesday fire were unavailable from the fire marshal’s office as the investigation continues, she said.

Funeral arrangements for Carson and Karen Topeka are incomplete at Schneider-Slack Funeral Home.