Smithfield, N.C. — Smithfield fire inspectors have ruled that a fire that killed a man early Wednesday was an accident.

A pot left on a stove at 423 Martin Luther King Drive caused the fire that claimed the life of 49-year-old Quincy Smith, according to Smithfield Fire Marshall Paul Whitehurst.

Smith, who was visiting at the home, had escaped the fire, but went back inside try and put it out, Whitehurst said.

Four to five others who were inside when the fire started escaped without injuries, authorities said.