Fatal Apartment Fire Victim Identified, Cause Announced

ANNAPOLIS, MD — A man died Tuesday after an Annapolis apartment fire.

Firefighters identified the victim as 74-year-old John Butler.

Investigators said the fire was caused by smoking while using medical oxygen. Oxygen-rich environments significantly increase the risk of fast-spreading and intense fires.

"Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of the victim. This is a tragic incident and serves as a reminder of the dangers of smoking while using home oxygen units," the Anne Arundel County Fire Department said in a press release.

Crews said they received multiple 911 calls around 3 p.m. for a fire alarm and sprinkler activation at the Claiborne Place Apartments, located at 130 Hearn Road.

The county fire department said it responded within minutes of dispatch with mutual aid from the Annapolis Fire Department.

First responders reported finding smoke in the hallway coming from a 10th-floor unit.

Firefighters said they entered that apartment and found the victim unresponsive.

He was later pronounced dead on the scene, a press release said. This was the county's fourth fire fatality of 2025.

The sprinkler system worked appropriately, containing the flames in the originating apartment and preventing the fire from spreading and hurting other occupants.

This map shows the area where the fire happened.