A diabetic Glen Ellen man, Charles Aldean Joslin, who lived alone apparently set his cabin at 910 Horn Road on fire at about 11 p.m. on Aug. 30 while cooking and, a little later at a neighbor’s house, had a seizure and died.
That’s according to Bill Murray, Glen Ellen Fire Protection District Chief.
“The poor guy may have been cooking and (spilled) a can of grease,” Murray said.
Joslin’s home, which was cluttered with such items as newspapers dating from the 1970s, quickly went up in flames, Murray said. The fire destroyed a carport and also damaged a cabin next door, the chief said.
Joslin’s brother, who lives in a trailer behind the cabin, said Joslin was confused when he exited the burning house, Murray said.
Joslin was pronounced dead at the Sonoma Valley Hospital. Injuries sustained in the fire included a burn on the head and heat-searing of Joslin’s esophagus, which may have caused it to close shut.
Chief Murray told the Sun Tuesday that the fire is still under investigation.
