A joint investigation continues between the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Maryland State Police Criminal Enforcement Division into the cause of a fire that claimed the life of a Rising Sun man Friday morning.
Officials said that around 4:20 a.m., the Community Fire Company of Rising Sun and surrounding fire departments responded to a reported house fire at 119 Cooper Street. Firefighters arrived at the one-story home and discovered fire and heavy smoke from the eaves. Firefighters entered and immediately located a victim inside the rear door. The victim was later pronounced deceased by paramedics with Cecil County Department of Emergency Services.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. However, Deputy State Fire Marshals determined the fire originated in the attic. While the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will have to identify the victim positively, investigators have preliminarily concluded it to be Jeffrey Scot Jackson, 55, the sole occupant and owner. Officials said during their examination, investigators recovered evidence, leading them to believe Jackson may have discovered the fire and attempted to access the attic in hopes of extinguishing the fire. Investigators did not locate any smoke alarms within the home.
A joint investigation between the Maryland State Police Criminal Enforcement Division and the Office of the State Fire Marshal is standard operating procedure whenever a fatal fire occurs.
The victim was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore to determine the exact cause of death.
“This is another tragic reminder to install and routinely check your smoke alarms. The sooner you hear an alarm, the sooner you can get out. 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,” stated Chief Deputy and Acting State Fire Marshal Jason M. Mowbray.