Smoke inhalation has been ruled as the cause of death of a New Philadelphia mother and daughter who died in a fire that destroyed their home and six others last Thursday morning.

Maureen Wallace, 56, and her daughter, Marietta Wallace, 34, both of 78 Water St., died in the fire that ravaged a block. Their bodies were found in their home after the fire was put out. The fire destroyed homes from 74 to 86 Water St.Schuylkill County Coroner Joseph E. Lipsett said the deaths were accidental. An autopsy was performed by forensic pathologist Dr. Richard Bindie. He said both women died as a result of "inhalation of smoke, carbon monoxide and products of combustion."The cause of the fire is still under investigation, according to state police at Frackville. Fire marshal Trooper John Burns is in charge of the probe.