Crime & Safety
Fatal Fire Cause Identified After Man, 58, Dies In Baltimore County: Officials
A fatal fire claimed a 58-year-old man in Baltimore County, officials said. Investigators identified the cause of the blaze.
GWYNN OAK, MD — Improperly discarded smoking materials sparked last week's Gwynn Oak townhome fire, investigators said.
Authorities said Gwynn Oak resident Michael James Smith, 58, died in Wednesday's accidental blaze.
Firefighters said they were called to the 1500 block of Langford Road at 11:36 p.m. for a report of the smell of burning.
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First responders said they spotted flames on the second floor of the home.
Crews said they found the victim on the second floor in cardiac arrest.
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Medics said they took him to Ascension Saint Agnes Hospital in Baltimore, where doctors gave extra care before pronouncing him dead.
Units said they controlled the one-alarm fire by 11:54 p.m.
This map shows the area where the Baltimore County Fire Department said the blaze happened.
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