JOPPA, MD—A team of investigators from the Office of the State Fire Marshal and Harford County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the house fire that claimed the lives of two people in Joppa on Wednesday morning.
The first 9-1-1 call was received at 8:10 a.m. on May 14, 2025 when a neighbor observed smoke and flames coming from the home at 6 Gunpowder Drive. A chief officer with Joppa-Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company and a deputy with Harford County Sheriff’s Office arrived within minutes, discovered heavy fire, and were told that two people were inside. They entered the front door, rescued a male inside, brought him outside, and were told that another person may still be inside. Firefighters later located a female inside and brought her outside as well. Both victims were later pronounced deceased.
The victims have been identified as 82-year-old W. Cliff Long and 81-year-old Miriam Edgerley Long.
Investigators have preliminarily concluded that the fire originated in a room on the front left side of the home; however, the cause remains under investigation. Investigators have not recovered any evidence of arson and will continue to focus their investigation on all accidental causes. Investigators did not locate smoke alarms within the home.
“Our hearts break for Mr. and Mrs. Long,” said Acting State Fire Marshal Jason M. Mowbray. “These are devastating reminders of the importance of fire safety, especially having working smoke alarms. Please check your smoke alarms, have an escape plan, and practice it. If a fire should break out – get out, stay out,” Mowbray continued.
This upcoming weekend, members of the OSFM, in partnership with our local Fire/EMS departments, will be within communities across Maryland to help support our Statewide Community Risk Reduction Weekend.
“As we enter this weekend, over 20 Marylanders from across the state have lost their lives to fire, and we are asking that we all come together to ensure that our homes are fire safe and have working smoke alarms installed to help safe guard and alert us when fire is present,” said Mowbray.
Detectives with the Harford County Sheriff’s Office assisted the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
Photo via the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal
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