HAGERSTOWN, Md. — The State Fire Marshal and Washington County Sheriff's Office is investigating a fatal fire that claimed the life of a Hagerstown man.
According to officials, the house fire was reported at around 4:38 p.m. on Tuesday in the 17500 block of York Road in Hagerstown.
Firefighters arrived to find the victim's family, reporting they had come to the home to check on the homeowner's well-being.
Family members stated that they encountered light smoke when they opened the home's front door and called 911.
Fire Marshals have determined the fire originated in the home's living room. While the exact cause of the fire remains under investigation at this time, they aren't ruling out unsafe smoking practices being a contributing factor.
The victim is believed to be the 56-year-old homeowner.
Deputy State Fire Marshals believe the owner woke up and attempted to extricate himself from the home before succumbing to smoke inhalation.
Investigators determined smoke alarms were present; however, the batteries had been removed.
