6 People Dead, Including 4 Children, After ‘Devastating’ Fire Engulfed Maryland Home

Six people — four of them children — died after a large fire tore through a home in Waldorf, Maryland, on Sunday, Aug. 10.

Firefighters from the Waldorf Volunteer Fire Department arrived to find the house on Declaration Court North fully engulfed in flames, with people still trapped inside, according to the Maryland State Fire Marshal. The call was quickly upgraded to a two-alarm fire, bringing in nearby fire departments, the Charles County Sheriff’s Office, federal agents, and deputy fire marshals.

Master Deputy State Fire Marshal Oliver Alkire told NBC 4 Washington it took about an hour to bring the fire under control.

Nine people lived in the home. Three were confirmed dead at first, while rescuers searched for the other three who were missing. In the end, all six were found dead. The three survivors included one adult who escaped and two others who were not home when the fire started.

One firefighter was injured and taken to the hospital. More than 70 fire personnel worked the scene.

Investigators believe the fire may have started on the right side of the house on an enclosed porch, according to WTOP. Officials stressed there is no evidence of a crime, but the investigation is ongoing.

“This is pretty devastating,” said Bill Smith, public information officer for the Charles County Volunteer Fire and EMS. “We do have fires now and then, but the loss of life here is tremendous.”

The victims’ names and ages will be released after the local medical examiner confirms their identities.

Acting State Fire Marshal Jason M. Mowbray expressed his condolences, saying, “Our hearts go out to the families impacted by this heartbreaking event. In this difficult time, let’s support one another and remain committed to fire safety.”