February 20th, 2015 by WCBC Radio

Deputy State Fire Marshal’s are investigating the cause of a fire that severely injured an adult male occupant
during a late night incident inside his home. An unconscious Donald Evans (64) was
located inside the dwelling by first arriving firefighters and quickly transported to Meritus
Medical Center with smoke inhalation and 2nd & 3rd degree burn injuries to his upper
torso. He was stabilized and subsequently transported to Johns Hopkins Bayview Burn
Center in critical condition.The 10:25 p.m. one alarm fire inside the 1-1/2 story single family dwelling was
brought under control within 35 minutes by approximately 45 firefighters from Halfway,
Williamsport, Funkstown, Maugansville and Hagerstown Fire Departments. An alert
neighbor observed the fire and called 911. Investigators determined the fire originated in the living room where a woodstove was in operation. The cause for the fire remains under investigation at this time. The
victims’ daughter and grandson were not home at the time of the incident and will be
assisted by the American Red Cross. Damage loss estimates to the structure and contents
is $50,000. No working smoke alarms were located during the on-scene investigation.