Tolley, a 14-year veteran of the FDNY, died after falling five stories from the bucket of a fire ladder while responding to the fire. View Full Caption DNAinfo/Gwynne Hogan/FDNY

RIDGEWOOD — Burning incense left unattended in a second floor apartment caused the fire where Firefighter William Tolley died after falling five stories, officials said.

The residents of the apartment weren't home at the time of the fire, but left incense burning in a bedroom as part of a religious practice.

The apartment inside 1615 Putnam Ave. in Ridgewood also lacked fire alarms, which caused a delay in finding and then reporting the blaze, according to fire marshals.

“Compounding the tragic loss of Firefighter Tolley’s life is that the fire he responded to and fought bravely could have been prevented,” said Fire Commissioner Nigro said in a statement.

Tolley, a 14-year veteran of the FDNY, died after falling five stories from the bucket of a fire ladder while responding to the blaze.

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The cause was released on the same day that funeral details were announced for Tolley.

A wake will be held at Chapey and Sons Funeral Home in Bethpage, Long Island, on Tuesday from 7 until 9 p.m.; and Wednesday from 2 until 5 p.m., and 7 until 9 p.m.

His funeral will be held on Thursday at 11 a.m. at St. Martin of Tours church, also in Bethpage, according to the FDNY.