Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating.
(L-R) Deputy State Fire Marshal Rocky Reed and Deputy Chief State Fire Marshal Jason Mowbray look over the remains of the home. Photo Credit: Office of the State Fire Marshal
LaVale, Md (KM). The Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office continues to investigate a fatal fire in LaVale Monday morning.
Authorities say at round 7:00 AM, a paramedic with the Allegany County Department of Emergency Services saw heavy smoke in the area behind D’Atri’s Restaurant on National Highway. Driving to the area, he saw heavy flames from the front of a home in the 1199 block of Simpson Avenue. The fire department was contacted.
Fire fighters from the LaVale Volunteer Fire Department and surrounding fire companies responded, and were told of an occupant trapped. They went inside and brought the man out.
50 Fire and rescue personnel spent 30-minute bringing the flames under control.
The Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office says the fire originated on the front balcony. The cause remains under investigation.
The victim’s body was taken to the State Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy. While the identity and cause of death have yet to be determined, authorities believe the victim is a 25-year-old who lived in the home.
The Combined County Criminal Investigation Unit in Allegany County is also working on this investigation.
By Kevin McManus