McClure flea market fire death under investigation

McCLURE, Ill. -- A McClure fire that claimed the life of a 79-year-old man is still under investigation, said McClure-East Cape Fire District chief Stanley Mouser Tuesday.

Mouser said firefighters responded to a call at about 9 a.m. Saturday at the junction of Highway 146 and Highway 3.

Edgar D. Bledsoe was found inside Mile's Flea Market, on Condel Lane, where he lived, Mouser said. Alexander County Coroner David Barkett pronounced Bledsoe dead at the scene, although a cause of death has not been officially announced.

The state fire marshal is still investigating the fire, Mouser said, although it appears to have been an electrical fire caused by a short.

Mouser said there was no structural damage to the building, but a significant amount of smoke damage was reported. Damage estimates have not been determined yet, he said.