Published: October 17, 2009 10:03 pm      

10/18 - Probe of fire cause continues

CUMBERLAND — A joint investigation by the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office, the Cumbelrand City Fire Department and Allegany County C3I is continuing to look into the cause of a one-alarm house fire at 217 Carroll St. that left one woman with life-threatening injuries.

According to a news release, investigators have learned the Friday morning fire was reported by a neighbor at approximately 9:24 a.m.

Nearly 35 firefighters from Cumberland, LaVale, Bowling Green and Ridgeley, W.Va., units responded to the scene.

Damage is estimated to be $150,000.

Resident Carol Trottier, in her 50s, was taken to Cumberland Memorial Hospital for treatment of her injuries.

Authorities said husband Eugene Trotter, 57, was upstairs in a second-floor bedroom while his wife normally slept on the living room sofa in the first floor due to health reasons. When he went downstairs, he discovered the fire, investigators said.

“Due to thick smoke and intense heat, he wasn’t able to get to his wife and escaped the fire through the rear door,” according to the news release. “Firefighters were made aware a second person was still inside the burning home.”

Carol Trottier was found lying on the floor between the living room and dining room. She was “critically burned,” officials said.

Investigators have determined the one-alarm blaze started in the living room but the cause remains unknown. Deputy state fire marshals have not been able to determine if there were working smoke alarms in the home.