December 9th, 2022 by WCBC Radio
A joint investigation continues between the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Maryland State Police Criminal Enforcement Division into the cause of a dwelling fire that claimed one life Thursday afternoon.
Just before 2:00 p.m., firefighters from Grantsville Volunteer Fire Department and surrounding departments responded to 684 Fire Clay Road and discovered heavy fire throughout a two-story, single-family home.
The home was heavily damaged during the fire, causing portions of the second floor to collapse into the first floor. During a subsequent search of the home, a victim was located within the remains.
Deputy State Fire Marshals worked throughout the evening, and concluded the fire originated within the living, while the exact cause remains under investigation. With over a quarter of a million in damages, the home is considered a complete loss.
The victim was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore to determine the exact cause of death and where the victim will be positively identified.
A joint investigation between the police agency having jurisdiction and the Office of the State Fire Marshal is standard operating procedure whenever a fatal fire occurs.