Electrical fire listed as cause of deadly DHS house fire

The official cause of the fire that took the life of Jane “Nikki” Engel in Desert Hot Springs in August was electrical in nature, Cal Fire has now disclosed.

Earlier we reported that Desert Hot Springs police ruled the death accidental.

The blaze was reported on Aug.4 in a single-family residence in the 9000 block of Calle de Vecinos.

No injuries were initially reported in connection with the blaze, but Desert Hot Springs police said that as firefighters were putting the fire out, Engel’s body was found inside the home.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department said the cause of death is listed as inhalation of products of combustion.

Engel,70, was a prolific volunteer who was known for her work with the Desert Hot Springs Women’s Club to the Veterans of Foreign War.