Devastating Maryland house fire claims six lives, including four children

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 […]

Maryland State Fire Marshal unveils redesigned 2024 fire fatality report with interactive data

BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal has released its 2024 Annual Fire Fatality Report, featuring a complete redesign that offers interactive graphics and county-level breakdowns to enhance public understanding of fire-related deaths across the state. The report details 73 fire-related fatalities recorded in Maryland during 2024. It provides insights into contributing factors such as the absence of […]

Maryland officials urge safe Fourth of July celebrations, back public fireworks displays

BALTIMORE, MD—As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, Maryland fire officials and public safety partners are urging residents to prioritize safety by attending licensed, professional fireworks displays rather than using consumer fireworks. The Office of the State Fire Marshal, joined by the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services, have announced that 139 public fireworks displays are scheduled across […]

State Fire Marshal warns of Chromebook Challenge social media trend leading to fires

BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office is warning of a dangerous new trend among students involving inserting foreign objects into electronic device charging ports. The trend, known as the “Chromebook Challenge,” has already caused several incidents of fires and property damage in schools across the state. Students have been inserting items like pencils and other metallic objects into the […]

CPSC, Maryland State Fire Marshal warn against using liquid-fueled fire pits

BALTIMORE, MD—The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a strong warning to consumers, urging them to avoid using fire pits designed to burn pooled alcohol or other liquid fuels. The agency cited two deaths and at least 60 injuries associated with these products since 2019 as evidence of their extreme danger. Acting State Fire Marshal Jason M. Mowbray […]

Fire Marshal issues safety tips after carbon monoxide claims life in Maryland home

BALTIMORE, MD—A 34-year-old man died, and a woman and child were critically injured in North East, Cecil County, on Wednesday night from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning, according to the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office. Family members found the man unresponsive in the living room of the home at 805 South Main Street around 6:30 p.m. and called 9-1-1. A 43-year-old […]