Overview

• The fire claimed six lives, including four children, while three other residents either escaped or were away when the blaze began
• Officials say the fire started on an enclosed porch and are examining electrical sources and battery-powered mobility devices with no evidence of arson
• Fire marshals are assessing whether smoke detectors inside the home were functional and audible during the rapidly spreading morning fire
• More than 70 emergency responders and agencies—including ATF agents, K-9 search teams and a collapse team—joined local volunteers in search, recovery and investigation
• The tragedy ranks among Maryland’s deadliest residential fires in over a decade and highlights safety gaps in older homes without sprinkler systems