A body was discovered near a burning dumpster behind a building in Lowell Massachusetts, on Friday morning, said police, who are investigating.
The fire, though not the body, is being blamed on the improper disposal of smoking materials, according to state fire officials.
Lowell police Capt. James Hodgdon said police received a call at 5:30 a.m. for a dumpster fire at 16 Middle St. and a man sleeping nearby. When they arrived, the man had passed away.
Investigators believe the man fell asleep smoking and his blankets and clothing ignited. The man's identity has not yet been released pending notification of next of kin.
Lowell police detectives and state police assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney's Office are investigating.
A spokesperson for the district attorney's office said the death is not believed to be suspicious.
