Hampshire man dies during brush fire
Hampshire man dies during brush fire
01 April 2010
published by times-news.com
USA — Investigators are attempting to determine if the death of an 89-year-old man in the Capon Glen subdivision off U.S. Route 50 Wednesday was the result of a brush fire or a medical crisis that developed prior to the fire.
The identity of the man has not been released.
An autopsy was being performed to determine the mans cause of death, according to West Virginia Fire Investigator Patrick Barker.
Barker said the victim was burning yard waste when winds took the fire out of control. The fire reportedly occurred behind the victims residence and covered several acres before it was extinguished, according to a published report.
Hampshire County 911 director Jerry Loudin said investigators do not yet know whether the fire claimed the mans life or if he had a medical crisis while he was burning brush. The mans home was not damaged and there were no other injuries.
The incident is being investigated by the West Virginia Division of Forestry.
According to the Hampshire County 911 center, 11 volunteer fire companies responded to the brush fire at about 2:45 p.m., including Capon Bridge, Augusta, Slanesville, Levels and Romney. Capon Bridge and Augusta ambulance volunteers also responded.
The location is off Sycamore Drive near the area of Rocky Top along U.S. 50 on Shaffenaker Mountain, just west of Capon Bridge.
