Authorities are investigating whether smoke detectors were working when a fire killed six people — four children and two adults — in a Maryland home on Sunday, August 10.
The Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office said the fire broke out in a home on Declaration Court North in Charles County. One adult managed to escape, while two other residents were away at the time.
Officials have not found signs of arson, but they are still trying to determine the cause of the blaze. Investigators are also checking if smoke alarms went off and if the people inside could hear them.
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“Determining whether smoke alarms were sounding is not always simple, but it is key to understanding tragedies like this,” Acting State Fire Marshal Jason M. Mowbray said.
The fire began on an enclosed porch on the right side of the house, officials said. It is the deadliest fire Maryland has seen in over ten years.
Master Deputy State Fire Marshal Oliver Alkire noted that the house was built in a time when hard-wired smoke alarms were required, but it’s unclear if they worked. “We have no reports of anyone hearing a smoke alarm. This shows how critical these devices are,” he said.
The names and causes of death of the six victims will be released after the medical examiner finishes their examinations.
