75-year-old Maryland Man dies in house fire

A 75-year-old man died Thursday after a fire broke out at his home in Salisbury, according to the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Salisbury Fire Department Fire Marshal’s Office.

What’s Happening: Firefighters responded to the 500 block of Tangier Street about 12:35 p.m. Thursday after a fire broke out inside a one-story, five-unit masonry row home. Crews found the man inside the unit where the fire started and pulled him out.

What’s Important: He was taken to a local hospital, then flown by Maryland State Police Aviation Command to a burn center in the Baltimore area, where he died. Investigators determined the fire started in the living room. Smoking materials cannot be ruled out as the cause, though the investigation remains open. Smoke alarms were present and activated during the fire.

What We Know: Two residents from a neighboring unit were displaced and are receiving assistance from the American Red Cross. The Salisbury Police Department also assisted with the investigation. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the official cause and manner of death.

The Process: In Salisbury, the State Fire Marshal’s office and the Salisbury Fire Department Fire Marshal’s Office jointly investigate all fatal fires. That is standard procedure within city limits.

“Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and everyone affected by this tragic fire,” Acting State Fire Marshal Jason Mowbray said. “While investigators continue working to determine exactly what happened, this is a reminder that fire can spread in a matter of minutes. Working smoke alarms provide valuable early warning, but everyone should also have and practice a home escape plan so they know how to get out safely.”