Extreme intoxication "likely impaired" a 30-year-old man's efforts to escape the flames that engulfed his St. Paul townhouse and killed him, authorities said.

Christopher Meusburger, 30, died from smoke inhalation in the fire, which occurred about 4:20 a.m. Sunday in the 700 block of Glendale Street, according to the Ramsey County medical examiner's office.

The Fire Department added that Meusburger's blood-alcohol content at the time was 0.26 percent, "which likely impaired him." Emergency responders found him dead.

Authorities have yet to determine what started the first-floor blaze in the 11-unit complex near University Avenue and Hwy. 280.

Officials said the fire detectors had been disabled in Meusburger's apartment and the one above it.

Meusburger's mother said her son grew up near his rental unit and he worked in the family business, Bargain Upholstery, and did landscaping and snow shoveling.

Jenni Pinkley, Star Tribune
Fire at a townhome on the 700 block of Glendale St., St. Paul. Image taken by firefighter.

Paul Walsh