Man, 82, dies in care-home fire The resident's smoking in bed started the blaze. The facility has a history of safety problems.

An 82-year-old disabled man died yesterday after his smoking in bed started a fire at a problem-plagued Bensalem assisted-living facility.

Winston Kates suffered burns on more than 80 percent of his body and died about 1 p.m. at Temple University Hospital, fire and hospital officials said.

The fire Wednesday night at NewSeasons at Hill House Manor on Hulmeville Road was the latest in a string of problems at the facility, whose license was revoked by the state Department of Public Welfare in July after a resident wandered off and was later found dead. The state has allowed the facility to remain open as it appeals the licensing decision.

Kevin Cramsey, a spokesman for the Public Welfare Department, could not say whether the fire would have an effect on Hill House's appeal, which is being reviewed by an independent state panel. A hearing date has not been set.

Cramsey said licensing officials with the department were trying to determine whether staffing and supervision were adequate at Hill House on Wednesday, whether the fire-prevention system worked, and whether proper procedures were followed. He said they also wanted to know whether Kates had a history of smoking in his room, which is prohibited at the facility.

"What they find will have weight in the overall picture," Cramsey said.

Bensalem Fire Marshal Joseph "Jay" Scanlon III said he was satisfied with the staff's response to the fire. He said it started about 7:30 p.m. and was contained to a bed in a basement room.

Kates told paramedics he had been smoking in bed, Scanlon said.

"He is wheelchair-bound," Scanlon added. "After accidentally setting fire to the bed . . . he couldn't get away from the fire."

An emergency call button near Kates' bed apparently was not activated, he said.

A man in a nearby room was treated for smoke inhalation. The remaining 86 residents were temporarily evacuated from the building.

Hill House, which has capacity for 144 residents, has increased nursing staff as part of a corrective action plan implemented since July.

The facility offers more supervision in a special unit for residents with dementia. Vincent Powers, a spokesman for Hill House, said Kates did not live in that unit.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of his friends and the many residents and staff who had come to know Mr. Kates over the years," Richard J. Neeson, president of the Conshohocken-based NewSeasons, said yesterday in a statement.