From the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal:
Deputy State Fire Marshals have identified the victim of an afternoon fire in Bel Air occurring on Tuesday, August 25, 2015. Jaswant Singh (73) was positively identified by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. The cause of death is being withheld while the cause of the fire continues to be investigated.
The 3:13 PM fire at 1106 Saddleback Way was reported by the female homeowner, Jaspreet Chhatwal who encountered heavy smoke conditions upon arriving home and opening up both the garage door as well as the front door. Chhatwal advised 911 she believed her father (Singh) was still in the home. Deputies with Harford County Sheriff’s Office were the first to arrive and attempted to make entry but were confronted with heavy smoke and heat which prevented them entering the home. Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company arrived shortly thereafter, made entry and searched the 1st and 2nd floor of the homes. Firefighters extinguished a fire in the living room of the home and subsequently performed a search of the basement where they located the body of the victim.
A team of Deputy State Fire Marshals determined the fire originated on the 1st floor of the home and collapsed into the basement along with the victim. Detectives with the Maryland State Police are continuing to assist investigators.
Working smoke alarms were present throughout the home. One firefighter received a minor injury and was treated and released at the scene. The investigation continues at this time.
There is a portion of this article that’s incorrect. The two HCSO deputies that were first to arrive did in fact make entry into the home and were searching for the family inside. They couldn’t stay in the home very long however, due to the heavy smoke conditions and had to get back out. They were inside long enough to search the upper portions of the house and determine the other family members were not inside. Those HCSO deputies are heroes. They ran into a burning house without any of the proper gear or knowing the extent of the conditions inside in search of the family that may or may not have been home. Very dangerous and potentially deadly situation. Selfless and heroic on the deputies’ part in my humble opinion. I really hope they’re recognized for their courageous efforts!