Terrace Heights Woman Dies In Fire

TERRACE HEIGHTS, Yakima County - A woman died in a house fire that apparently was ignited by a cigarette smoldering in a couch, fire officials said. Noreene Halsey, 54, apparently was overcome by smoke early Saturday in this community east of Yakima, Fire Chief Stan Hankins said.

Hankins said firefighters believe Halsey awakened, smelled smoke, went to the living room and was trapped by the flames. Her cries roused her husband, Dick Halsey, 62, who tried unsuccessfully to call 911, then battled his way through flames that left first- and second-degree burns on his arms, face and back.