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 […]

House fire displaces 4 in Joppa

UPDATE: According to the Office of the State Fire Marshal, the homeowner was using a newly purchased novelty-style lighter when it exploded, catching a synthetic couch and other ordinary combustibles on fire. The owner was not injured from the explosion. Original story below… JOPPA, MD—Crews responded to a house fire in the Joppa area on Monday evening. At just before […]

Edgewood woman sentenced to life for fatal 2019 arson

EDGEWOOD, MD—An Edgewood woman was sentenced this week to life in prison, with all but 180 years suspended, for a 2019 arson that killed four people. Bobbie Sue Hodge, 66, received the new sentence after her previous 2022 conviction was remanded for a new trial by the Appellate Court of Maryland. The Harford County State’s Attorney’s Office announced the sentencing of […]

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 […]

Fire sweeps through building at Dundee Creek Marina

UPDATE: The Office of the State Fire Marshal reports that it took 40 firefighters approximately 20 minutes to control the blaze, which resulted in $500,000 in damages and was caused by a malfunctioning freezer unit. Original story below… ——— MIDDLE RIVER, MD—Crews responded to a building fire in Middle River early on Saturday morning. The fire was reported at just […]