MD Man, 93, Dies After Brush Fire Burns Out Of Control

ALLEGANY COUNTY, MD — A Cresaptown man died Thursday after authorities said a brush fire he was tending in Allegany County accidentally burned out of control.

Charles W. Armstrong, 93, died at MedStar Washington Hospital Burn Center after suffering first, second, and third-degree burns to his body, the Office of the State Fire Marshal said in a news release.

Authorities said Armstrong was burning brush on his property Wednesday when the fire grew out of control. According to authorities, heavy smoke and flames impeded Armstrong's ability to escape the fire.

Authorities said an investigation revealed no evidence that Armstrong was using an accelerant like gasoline to assist the fire.

The fire was reported around 1:30 p.m. after an American Insurance Center employee noticed smoke in the area and used his aerial drone to determine from where the smoke was coming, authorities said. The employee and another man then drove to the home, where they discovered Armstrong collapsed among the charred brush remains, authorities said.

According to authorities, the men used portable fire extinguishers to put out the flames. They pulled Armstrong to safety and called 911, authorities said.

Paramedics initially treated Armstrong's injuries, and he was later flown by Maryland State Police to the burn center.

"My heart breaks for the family of Mr. Armstrong," State Fire Marshal Brian S. Geraci said in a statement. "This is a horrific situation that demonstrates the hot weather and dry conditions are not exaggerated, and they affect every one of us."

State fire officials urged Marylanders to be mindful when burning outdoors. Some tips on open-air burning included:

• Don't burn on windy days.
• Have hand tools and a ready water supply on-site.
• Never leave the fire unattended.
• Clear the area around the site for a minimum of 10 feet.
• Burn at a safe distance (25 feet or more) from your home, shed, or other structures.
• Never use gasoline. Gasoline fumes can ignite and cause serious injury and possible death.