Fire marshal traces fatal blaze to area by computer

The fire that killed a Jackson couple began around a basement computer station, state fire marshal Butch Amann said Wednesday.

He said his investigation into Tuesday's blaze didn't uncover the exact cause because of extensive damage.

"The computer and the cords are in the area of origin," Amann said. "I can't tell if it was the appliance or the cord."

Gabe Koehler, 20, and his girlfriend Rachel Smith, 18, were killed shortly after midnight when they were apparently trapped by the fire that started in the basement outside their bedroom. The initial cause of death was smoke inhalation, the county coroner said. Amann said there was no smoke detector in the basement of the home, which was owned by Koehler's parents, Kenneth and Carol Koehler. Both escaped.

Amann said he didn't think there were too many cords plugged in at one time, but he did give some preventative advice.

"If you are going to be using any extension or power cords, make sure they are properly rated for the appliance you're using," he said. "Keep them clean and maintained. In this case, the computer was on all the time. When you're not using an appliance, shut it off. And I always advocate practicing escape plans."

Friends come home

Several of Koehler's and Smith's friends were making arrangements to attend visitations and memorial services in the coming days.

Seth Harrell, a member of Koehler's high school football team who is attending the University of Missouri, said he was trying to contact other team members. Harrell said he and some other Jackson residents attending the university were planning to come back home.

In Cape Girardeau, Sara Lane, a friend of Smith's, was trying to organize efforts to donate household goods to the Koehler family. Such items can be dropped off at the Jackson Fire Department, where Kenneth Koehler was a 25-year veteran and longtime captain before retiring.

Visitation for Koehler and Smith will be from 4-9 p.m. today at McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday at the funeral home for Koehler with the Rev. Sam Roethemeyer officiating. A service for Smith will be at 3:30 p.m. Friday with the Rev. Michael Wright officiating.

bmiller@semissourian.com

243-6635