An early morning fire at 3205 Old Washington Road in Westminster claimed the life of Mr. Stanley J. Kundin. The 1:06 a.m. one alarm blaze began in the area of his bedroom, which was located in the one story addition attached to the wood framed rancher his son, daughter-in-law and three granddaughters lived in. Family members heard a smoke alarm and smelled the odor of smoke, which alerted them of the fire occurring in the home. They escaped from their home and called 911 without injury. The severity of the heat, smoke and flames kept them from trying to locate Mr. Kundin.
Approximately 60 firefighters from Gamber, Winfield, Westminster, Reese, Lineboro, Sykesville, Reisterstown, Pleasant Valley, Hampstead and Baltimore County Station 56 worked diligently to control the blaze within 1 ½ hours. No other injuries were reported during the incident. A tanker task force was established to provide a large volume of water to assist with extinguishment of the blaze.
A team of Deputy State Fire Marshals are investigating the origin and cause for the fire. The cause of death of the victim will be determined by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Investigators from the Maryland State Police are also assisting with the investigation.
The family of five is being assisted by the American Red Cross.
