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Late on Tuesday morning on May 14, first responders from the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company and nearby agencies were called to the 100 block of Marshall Drive in Forest Hill, when motorists on the Belair Bypass reported seeing smoke and flames coming from an area home.
At 2 p.m., Harford County Fire and EMS officials announced that firefighters searching the home found a person inside who was rescued and ultimately pronounced dead at the scene after being treated.
Firefighters arrived within minutes, and discovered heavy firee coming from the home. After extinguishing the bulk of the flames, firefighters located a victim inside the living room.
The fire represented just one call during a busy day for first responders in Harford County.
"While en route, units received updated information that there was a person trapped in the structure," a spokesperson for the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company posted online.
"Immediately upon arrival units initiated an interior attack and brought the fire under control in less than 10 minutes.
"Unfortunately, one civilian was found deceased inside the residence."
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, though it is believed to have started in the living room.
The blaze is now being investigated by the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal. No details about the fire victim has been released, pending an autopsy by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore.
"This is another tragic reminder to install and routinely check your smoke alarms," Chief Deputy and acting State Fire Marshal Jason Mowbray stated.
"The sooner you hear an alarm, the sooner you can get out," he continued. "Have an escape plan, and once you get out, stay out. It can be a matter of life or death for you and your loved ones."
More details are expected to be provided as the investigation into the fatal fire continues.
This is a developing story. Check Daily Voice for updates.
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