The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has ruled that Helen Spaulding, 92, died of smoke inhalation and thermal burns in the Aug. 9 house fire on Lincoln Boulevard, classifying her death as accidental.

Her husband, Anthony Spaulding, also 92, died in the same fire, but his cause and manner of death remained deferred as of Tuesday, Aug. 11, meaning additional investigation is pending, according to Medical Examiner records. Both cases remain open.

The ruling comes as arson investigators continue to analyze the scene of the blaze that killed the couple at their two-story Tudor-style home in the 500 block of Lincoln Boulevard, between Marguerita and Alta avenues. As we reported Aug. 11, investigators had already been called to the scene.

The fire broke out at approximately 2:54 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 9. Firefighters arrived to find the single-family home fully engulfed with heavy flames on multiple sides. Both victims, who used wheelchairs, were found in a first-floor bedroom, removed and given advanced life support, but neither could be revived. No firefighters were injured.

SMFD Platoon Battalion Chief James Altman said on Aug. 10 that the couple normally had a caretaker present, but no one was on duty at the time of the fire.

Rick Garcia, who identified himself to KTLA as the Spauldings' caregiver, said the couple had been married for nearly 70 years and had five children. "They were a lovely couple who had a great relationship," Garcia told KTLA. "It's very tragic."

The fire's cause remains under investigation. The Medical Examiner's deferral of Anthony Spaulding's manner of death means additional investigation is pending, and no timeline for a final determination has been announced.

The Santa Monica Fire Department urged residents to ensure working smoke alarms are installed throughout their homes and to develop and practice a home fire escape plan.

Correction: An earlier version of this story identified the husband as Troy Spaulding. The LA County Medical Examiner's official identification confirms his name is Anthony Spaulding.