An elderly man died Sunday afternoon in a fire at his house in south Gardendale.

The man has been identified by Gardendale Police as Gilbert F. Abernathy, 90, of the 3200 block of Waxberry Lane. Gardendale Fire Dept. Lt. Jason Murrell said that Abernathy apparently died of smoke inhalation.

The fire, which was reported at about 3:30 p.m., was contained to the living room of the split-level home. Investigators believe the fire was accidental, and was started by a heating blanket or wall heater.

Abernathy was the only person living at the residence.