Maryland State Fire Marshal
News Release Martin O’Malley Governor
William E. Barnard State Fire Marshal
CAUSE OF FATAL FIRE REMAINS UNDER INVESTIGATION CHARLES COUNTY, MD (August 5, 2011) – The cause of a fatal fire that claimed the life a five year old boy remains undetermined at this time. Investigators continue to analyze information gathered at the scene to determine the cause for the early morning fire. Deputy State Fire Marshals determined the fire originated in a rear bedroom and quickly spread throughout the room and claimed the life of the five year old boy. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed the remains were that of five year old Jayvon Hawkins and preliminary reports reveal he died as a result of smoke inhalation injuries received during the fire. Jayvon’s two year old sister, Shayvon Hawkins, who was found unconscious by firefighters at the scene, was quickly transported by ambulance with smoke inhalation injuries to Civista Medical Center and subsequently flown to Children’s National Medical Center. Shayvon is reported to be alert and responsive and expected to recover. Damages to the home are estimated at $150,000. No other injuries were reported during the incident. No working smoke alarms were located during the on-scene investigation.
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Media contact: Bruce D. Bouch, Deputy State Fire Marshal; 443-324-6876
1201 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, MD 21208