Man, 88, Victim of Fatal Abingdon Fire

claimed the life of the 88-year-old resident, authorities said.

John C. Youngblood was found dead inside his second-floor bedroom, according to a release from the Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office.

Shortly before 5 p.m. Jan. 14, someone passing through the area noticed smoke coming from a home in the 700 block of Lombard Court in Abingdon and called 911, according to the release.

Sixty firefighters from Level, Abingdon, Joppa-Magnolia and volunteer fire companies controlled the fire within 15 minutes.

When firefighters checked the home, they found Youngblood dead inside, according to fire officials.

Investigators believe a malfunctioning extension cord beneath Youngblood's night stand started the fire. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner said preliminary findings indicate Youngblood died of heart failure due to exposure to the fire and smoke.

The fire and smoke caused about $75,000 damage to the home, according to fire officials.

Smoke alarms were working in the home at the time of the fire, officials said. No other injuries were reported as a result of the fire.