An autopsy has been scheduled for a 72-year-old man who died yesterday while burning debris outside his home, Baltimore County police said.

Police said James William Bonnett, of the 14000 block of Glen High Road in Baldwin in the northeastern part of the county, was burning debris in a metal barrel behind his home about 4: 45 p.m. when he collapsed and suffered burns when his body struck the barrel.

They said he may have suffered a heart attack or was overcome by the smoke.

The body was taken to the state medical examiner's office in Baltimore.

No foul play was suspected, police said.

Pub Date: 3/30/99