Fatality at Garrett County 2-Alarmer

Ajoint investigation between the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Maryland State Police Criminal Enforcement Division continues aftera house fire claimed the life of a Garrett County man on March 29, 2023. At around 0900, DeerPark Community Volunteer Fire Department, BittingerVolunteerFire Department, and surrounding departments were alerted fora house fire on UpperGreen Glade Road in Swanton. Firefighters arrived to heavy fire throughout the two-story home, and it was reported a person was possibly still inside. It took 25 firefighters nearly two hours to control the two-alarm blaze; however, the home eventually collapsed. After several hours, with the assistance of heavy equipment, firefighters and investigators located a 19-year-old victim within the remains. The Red Cross was assisting five otherfamily members who were not home when the fire broke out; upwards of 14 pets also perished in the fire.

- Submitted by Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal