86-Yr-Old Man Identified as Victim in Havre de Grace Fire; Cause of Blaze Still Under Investigation

From the Office of the State Fire Marshal:

Deputy State Fire Marshals has identified the victim of an early morning blaze in Havre De Grace yesterday. George M. Scott, age 86, was located in a second floor bedroom by firefighters. An autopsy by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner was completed today and the cause of Scott’s death was ruled to be smoke inhalation and thermal injuries. Scott was the sole occupant of the home at the time of the fire.

The 4:37 A.M. fire at 4153 U Way was reported by a neighbor who saw smoke and flames coming from the rear of the residence. Upon arrival of firefighters, flames were through the roof and the fire quickly went to two alarms bringing 50 firefighters from Level, Susquehanna, Aberdeen, Bel Air and Port Deposit. Two firefighters sustained minor injuries and were treated and released at local hospitals.

A team of Deputy State Fire Marshals spent the day sifting through debris and determined the fire originated in a second floor bedroom; the same room where the victim was located. The cause of the fire remains under investigation at this time. Detectives with the Maryland State Police Bel Air Barrack assisted at the scene and damages to the home are estimated at $200,000.00

Working smoke alarms were present in the first floor of the home but no evidence of the devices was located on the second floor of the home. The investigation continues at this time.