An apartment fire in Annapolis has claimed the life of a 74-year-old man, officials from the Anne Arundel County Fire Department confirmed. The incident occurred on the 10th floor of the Claiborne Place Apartments at 130 Hearne Road. Smoke was reported in the complex's hallway around 3 p.m. Yesterday, first responders found the victim, John Butler, unresponsive in his apartment. Despite the activation of the sprinkler system, Butler was pronounced dead at the scene, FOX Baltimore reported.
Investigators have determined that the cause of the fire was attributed to smoking while using medical oxygen. The Anne Arundel County Fire Department emphasized that "Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of the victim" in a statement detailed by CBS News Baltimore. They also underscored the event as a reminder of the dangers associated with smoking near home oxygen units. This tragedy adds to the list of fires that have recently plagued the region.
Red Cross disaster response volunteers have been active within the community, providing financial assistance and helping replace medications, eyeglasses, and other essential items lost in these fires.
