By Richard L. Gaw

Staff Writer

The Southern Chester County Regional Police Department (SCCRPD) is currently investigating an accidental death that occurred outside of a home near the intersection of Kaolin Road (Route 7) and Gap Newport Pike (Route 41) in New Garden Township on Wednesday, Nov. 23.

The investigation began moments after a resident of Ewart Road contacted 9-1-1 to report that a fire had begun in a wooded area behind her home. At 3:41 p.m., members of the SCCRPD were dispatched to a residence located in the 9100 block of Gap Newport Pike.

Upon arrival, patrol officers observed a landscape fire that had burned out of control and was spreading to the tree line to the rear of the residence, and discovered a deceased male lying on the ground near the tree line.

The Avondale Fire Department arrived to extinguish the fire which appeared to have been ignited as a controlled burn by the resident that spread to areas in the rear of the residence.

Further investigation revealed the 72-year-old victim was attempting to put the fire out with a rake and buckets of water when he fell to the ground. Detectives were called to the scene to assist with the investigation and interviewed two neighbors who were on scene when the police arrived. According to the neighbors, they observed the heavy smoke and fire to the rear of the residence and heard a male yelling for help. Both neighbors walked to the residence and attempted to put the fire out until police arrived, but did not notice the resident lying on the ground while doing so.

This department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the man’s death and the fire. SCCRPD is being assisted by the Chester County Coroner’s Office and the township’s fire marshall.

If anyone possesses information about the incident, please contact Detective Rich Townsend at 610-268-2907, ext. 108 or by email at [email protected]., or Lt. Joseph Greenwalt at 610-268-2907, ext. 103 or by email at [email protected].