Fire Victim Identified
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Fire Victim Identified

<bt>Michael Yanock, 62, has been identified by the Alexandria Fire Department as the victim who died as a result of a house fire at 904 Commonwealth Ave., Alexandria, on Dec. 8. Actual cause of death awaits the release of an autopsy report, according to Jane Malik, fire department public information officer.

Firefighters responded to an alarm shortly after 11 p.m. at the two-story, detached, brick house and discovered an unconscious man on the first floor, the department reported. "He was transported by a medic unit to Inova Alexandria Hospital where he was pronounced dead just after midnight," Malik reported.

The fire, which caused an estimated $15,000 damage, was quickly extinguished. It was originally located in the basement and first floor but had spread to the second floor of the home by the time firefighters arrived.

"The cause is still under investigation. But, there is no indication that it was anything but accidental," Malik said.

The house had been condemned following another fire approximately 18 months ago, according to department records. The condemnation order was lifted the week just before this fire occurred after the building was brought into compliance with housing codes. Yanock, a long time owner of the property, had recently reoccupied the dwelling.

<1b>— Chuck Hagee