May 3rd, 2021 by WCBC Radio
The Office of the State Fire Marshal, in conjunction with the Combined County Criminal Investigations Unit (C3I), is continuing its investigation into the circumstances surrounding a house fire that claimed the life of a LaVale man.
On Monday, May 3, 2021, just before 7:00 a.m., an Allegany County Department of Emergency Services paramedic observed heavy smoke in the vicinity behind D'Atri's Restaurant located on National Highway. He drove to the area, determined to be the 1100 block of Simpson Avenue, and observed heavy flames coming from the front of the home, and requested the fire department to respond.
Firefighters from LaVale Volunteer Fire Department and surrounding departments responded and were told upon their arrival that an occupant could still be inside. Firefighters entered the home and located the victim. It took approximately 50 firefighters and 30 minutes to control the fire. There were no reported injuries to emergency personnel.
After a preliminary origin and cause investigation, Deputy State Fire Marshals have determined the fire originated on the home's front balcony, and the cause remains under investigation at this time. While official identification and cause of death are pending an autopsy, the victim is believed to be the 25-year-old male occupant.
Investigators have not recovered the remains of working smoke alarms at this time.
The victim will be transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore to determine the exact cause of death and where he will be positively identified.
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