60-Yr-Old Man Killed, 70-Yr-Old Woman Critically Injured in Apartment Fire in Havre de Grace

From the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal:

Deputy State Fire Marshals are conducting an on scene investigation into a fire that claimed the life of Keith Richard Dowden (60) and sent his female companion, Helen Logan (70) to Harford Memorial Hospital in critical condition.

The fire occurred this morning at approximately 4:30 a.m. at 213 S. Union Street in Apartment #2 located in Havre de Grace, Harford County. Both victims were located inside their apartment by first arriving firefighters.

Twenty-five firefighters from Havre de Grace, Aberdeen and Level volunteer fire departments were able to control the fire in fifteen minutes and held the fire to the apartment where the fire originated.

One male victim from an upstairs apartment was transported to Harford Memorial Hospital with non-life threatening smoke inhalation injuries and has been released.

A neighbor occupant of the home notified 911 of the fire.

An examination of the deceased will be conducted by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to determine the exact cause of death. Havre de Grace Police Department is assisting with the death investigation. The remaining occupants of the other apartments are being assisted by the American Red Cross.

Although outfitted with working battery operated smoke alarms, the home was not required to have life saving residential fire sprinklers when it was constructed.