WESTLAND, Mich. -- Westland police said a cigarette may be to blame for a fire that killed a 53-year-old man Sunday.

"We received a 911 call from an individual saying his apartment was on fire," said Westland police Lt. Rob Collier.

Collier said authorities responded to the 30,000 block of Warren Avenue just after 5 a.m., and found the man dead.

Fire officials said the man, who neighbors said was disabled, had been using an oxygen generator while smoking. Because of oxygen's ability to act as an accelerator, fire officials said the flames spread quickly.

Neighbors in the building said they didn't hear or see the fire. There was little damage to the outside of the top floor unit.

"We just didn't know," said neighbor Mario Patterson.

Neighbor Gary Marable said he's sorry to hear about the man's death, but said he hopes it serves as a warning to others.

"People can smoke, but you have to be aware of what you are doing," Marable said.

Police have not released the name of the deceased. They said family members of the man have been hard to find.

The fire investigation continues to remain open.