LEXINGTON PARK, Md. (June 18, 2010) – Deputy State Fire Marshal’s are conducting an investigation into the cause of a fatal fire that occurred June 15 at approximately 6:40 p.m. at 21428 Morris Drive in Lexington Park. An adult male victim was located on the second floor of the 20’ X 24’ two story wood framed shed and was removed by first arriving firefighters.
The shed is located to the rear of the house on the property. The owners, Charles and Lois Luffey, were home at the time of the fire and notified 911. The victim is believed to be the owner’s son, Charles Christopher Luffey, age 43. Charles occasionally stayed in the second floor loft area of the shed. The Office of the State Medical Examiner will perform an autopsy to confirm the identity and cause of death for the victim.
The origin and cause of the fire remains under investigation at this time. Damages to the shed are estimated at $30,000. The Office of the State Fire Marshal along with the St. Mary's County Bureau of Criminal Investigations are conducting a joint investigation of the incident. No working smoke alarms were located during the initial on scene investigation.