Careless disposal of smoking materials appears to have caused the Oct. 2 fire at the Freedom Center transitional home in Dresden, Sgt. Ken Grimes of the State Fire Marshal’s Office said Thursday.

The fire is being considered accidental at this time, Grimes said in a phone interview. Asking if the investigation was still going on, Grimes said, “It’s mostly concluded.” The “at this time” reference allows for the possibility of new information at some point, even two years from now, that might need consideration, he explained.

Eleven occupants escaped the early morning fire that likely left the building a total loss, Dresden Fire Chief Steve Lilly has said. A dog died. The state began looking for a cause the day of the fire.