Deadly Richmond fire caused by electrical problem?

-- A South Richmond house fire last month that killed a 79-year-old woman was most likely caused by an electrical problem, authorities said today.

Richmond fire Lt. Michael Oprandy said investigators feel confident the Dec. 28 fire started in the crawl space below the first floor of the home in the 3500 block of East Weyburn Road and was probably a result of a some type of electrical malfunction.

Investigators are awaiting test results from the Virginia Medical Examiner's Office before reaching a final conclusion on the matter, Oprandy said.

Elizabeth Louise Clark was found in the living room of the house and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Two smoke detectors were present in the home but were not properly installed, Oprandy said today.

Clark had lived in the house alone but was planning to move in with her daughter in South Carolina in a few weeks, family members said.