Man found dead in Whitestone house fire caused by smoking

WHITESTONE, Queens (WABC) -- A 74-year-old man died in a fire in his Whitestone, Queens, home that officials said was caused by smoking.

The victim was found in his Riverside Drive house after the fire broke out at about 11:50 p.m. Thursday.

Flames burned through the basement and first floor of 154-32 Riverside.

The victim was found inside. The apartment had no smoke alarm.

The cause is under investigation, but officials said they believe the victim may have been smoking.