Hagerstown, MD – A late-night house fire on Chimneystone Court left one person dead as investigators worked through the scene in search of answers.
Fire crews found the victim inside the home after battling flames that swept through the property late Tuesday night.
The identity of the deceased has not yet been confirmed, and the victim was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore.
Key Points
- One person was found dead inside a home on Chimneystone Court in Hagerstown
- Investigators say the fire started in the kitchen and the home had no working smoke alarms
- The incident marks the first fatal fire reported in Washington County this year
Firefighters from several departments responded at 11:12 p.m. Tuesday following reports of a home engulfed in flames in the 300 block of Chimneystone Court.
Deputy State Fire Marshals determined the fire originated in the kitchen, where investigators searched for evidence indicating how the blaze began.
Accelerant Detection K9 Quinn was brought in to assist as investigators worked through the debris.
No additional injuries were reported by responding personnel who cycled crews through the scene as the fire was brought under control.
Officials noted that no working smoke alarms were found in the residence during the investigation.
Investigators said the lack of operational smoke alarms may have delayed awareness of the fire inside the home.
The Office of the State Fire Marshal reported that this incident is the first fatal fire in Washington County this year.
Residents in the surrounding neighborhood watched as fire crews remained on scene into the early hours of the morning.
Authorities urged homeowners throughout Maryland to check alarms on each level of their homes and inside every sleeping area.
The agency also highlighted available resources for residents who need assistance obtaining a smoke alarm.
The cause of the blaze remains under investigation as personnel review physical evidence taken from the property.
Deputies are working to determine the cause of the fire.
Officials said they will release additional information once the victim has been positively identified by the medical examiner.