WALDORF, MD—A devastating house fire in Waldorf on Sunday morning claimed the lives of six people, including four children, in an incident that authorities are calling an “unimaginable loss.”
The fire broke out around 8:40 a.m. in the 3000-block of Declaration Court North. Deputies from the Charles County Sheriff’s Office were the first to arrive and found two adults who had escaped unharmed. They reported that as many as six other people were still inside. Attempts by deputies to enter the home were unsuccessful due to heavy smoke and flames.
Firefighters from the Waldorf Volunteer Fire Department and other surrounding departments arrived shortly after and quickly upgraded the incident to a two-alarm fire. They worked to control the blaze and search for victims. Tragically, two adults and four children were later found dead inside the residence. A third adult who was not home at the time of the fire arrived later to the tragic scene.
Investigation Underway
A joint team of investigators from the Office of the State Fire Marshal, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Charles County Sheriff’s Office is working to determine the cause of the fire. The investigation is still ongoing, but officials have determined that the fire originated within an enclosed porch on the right side of the home.
The identities and ages of the victims have not yet been released, pending confirmation from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, which will also determine the exact cause of death.
The investigative team was assisted by K9 “Taylor,” the Calvert K-9 Search Team, and the Charles County Collapse Team, which was brought in to shore up the home due to extensive structural damage.
Community Mourns
Acting State Fire Marshal Jason M. Mowbray expressed his condolences, stating, “This is an unimaginable loss for the community. Our hearts go out to the families impacted by this heartbreaking event.”
He also stressed the importance of fire safety in homes.
A joint investigation involving multiple agencies is standard procedure for fatal fires, especially those with multiple fatalities, and is a way to pool resources and expertise to get a clearer picture of what happened.
Photo via the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal
