A 74-year-old man died after a fire in an Annapolis apartment building Tuesday, according to Anne Arundel County Fire officials.

Firefighters responded to the 10th floor of Claiborne Place Apartments in the 130 block of Hearne Road around 3 p.m.

Once on scene, crews saw the sprinkler system had activated and reported smoke in the hallway coming from one of the apartments on the 10th floor. 

Firefighters entered the apartment and found a man, later identified as John Wesley Blunt, unresponsive. He was pronounced dead on the scene, according to officials.

Anne Arundel County Fire investigators determined that the fire was caused by smoking while using medical oxygen. According to officials, oxygen-rich environments increase the risk of intense, fast-spreading fires. 

Officials said the sprinkler system helped contain and control the fire in the apartment, preventing it from spreading to other units in the building. 

"Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of the victim," the Anne Arundel County Fire Department said in a statement. "This is a tragic incident and serves as a reminder of the dangers of smoking while using home oxygen units."

Recent massive fires across the region

This was the fourth fire-related death in Anne Arundel County in 2025. 

The first two deaths were from the same accidental fire on February 20. The third fatality was on March 25.

On March 28, a large fire displaced 18 families in downtown Baltimore.

According to the Red Cross, the fire happened in the 200 block of East Saratoga Street. 

Red Cross disaster response volunteers are working with the displaced residents on financial assistance, replacing medications, eyeglasses, and other essential items lost in the fire, the organization said.

Weeks earlier, 27 residents were displaced, including adults and children, after a two-alarm fire at an apartment complex in Windsor Mill in Baltimore County, according to fire officials.

Firefighters responded to find a fire blazing through the room in the 7400 block of Brixworth Court.

"The sad thing is, we just moved here, not even six months in, so much has happened," resident Jasmine Adams said.

On March 7, Baltimore City firefighters responded to a wind-driven fire that left 15 rowhomes, businesses, and apartments demolished.

Investigators said that at least nine residents from four rowhomes were displaced, and other vacant buildings were impacted.

Officials believe possible illegal occupant activity caused the four-alarm fire.

During the fire, the buildings were marked with Code X in Baltimore City, meaning they had severe structural or interior hazards and high risks of collapse.

"It's a total loss. We lost everything," resident Monique Awkward said. "It's devastation, complete devastation."