SWANTON, MD – Investigators with the Deputy State Fire Marshals, assisted by K9 Cachina located the body of a person that was trapped inside a home as it burned to the ground in Garrett County.
According to state fire marshals, at around 9:00 a.m., Bittinger Volunteer Fire Department, Deer Park Volunteer Fire Department, and surrounding departments were alerted for a house fire with possible entrapment at 70 Upper Green Glade Road in Swanton.
While fighting the fire, first responders learned that a person might have been entrapped. When firefighters arrived, heavy fire engulfed the two-story home, hindering rescue efforts.
“Firefighters arrived with heavy fire throughout the two-story home. Due to the amount of damage, the home eventually collapsed,” investigators reported. “After several hours, firefighters and investigators located an adult victim within the remains at around noon.”
The cause remains under investigation, and while investigators believe the victim was one of the occupants, we will confirm with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner before releasing the name.