Maryland State Fire Marshal
News Release Martin O’Malley Governor
William E. Barnard State Fire Marshal
FATAL FIRE CAUSE DETERMINED IDENTITY CONFIRMED ST. MARY’S COUNTY, MD (February 17, 2012) – Investigators have concluded the fire that took the life of David Vanryswick (56) was the result of using smoking materials while receiving medical oxygen therapy. The fire occurred on February 8, 2012 at 11:44 p.m. in his apartment located at 45955 Foxchase Drive in Great Mills. Mr. Vanryswick was home alone at the time of the fire. He was found deceased inside his two bedroom, first floor apartment of the two story wood framed garden style apartment building by first arriving firefighters. The preliminary report for the accidental cause of death by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner reveals Mr. Vanryswick died as result of the fire. The Foxchase Apartments were constructed in 1989, which was prior to the requirements of residential fire sprinklers. These life saving devices were mandated in all newly constructed apartments, condominiums, hotels, motels and dormitories in Maryland on July 1, 1990. State Fire Marshal William E. Barnard reminds all citizens to prevent a tragedy by fire while using oxygen. “All Marylanders need to be aware of the potential hazards involving medical oxygen use. Oxygen itself is not flammable, however, an oxygen enriched environment can cause materials to ignite more readily and burn at a faster rate than normal,” stated Barnard. ### Media contact: Bruce D. Bouch, Deputy State Fire Marshal; 443-324-6876 The Office of the State Fire Marshal is an agency of the Department of State Police dedicated to helping protect citizens from fire and explosion through a comprehensive program of education, inspection, investigation and fire protection engineering. For more information on fire safety call 1-800-525-3124, log onto our website at: www.firemarshal.state.md.us and/or follow us on Facebook under “Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal”.
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