Local Fire Investigations

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Date: 7/30/2018

Time: 10:13 p.m.

Location / Address: 6150 Nubian Place, Hughesville, Charles County

Type of Incident: House Fire

Description of Structure / Property: One story single family home with attached covered carport

Owner / Occupants: Joseph Thomas

Injuries or Deaths: None

Estimated $ Loss: Structure: $ 85,000 Contents: $ 25,000

Smoke Alarm Status: Present and activated

Fire Alarm / Sprinkler Status: None

Arrests(s): N/A

Primary Responding Fire Department: Hughesville VFD

# of Alarms: 1 # Of Firefighters: 59

Time to Control: 25 Minutes

Discovered By: Owner

Area of Origin: Covered carport

Preliminary Cause: Accidental

Additional Information: The homeowner was in his living room when he smelled smoke and went to investigate. Upon looking out of his kitchen door leading to the carport, he encountered flames and smoke. The homeowner was able to escape safely and is being assisted by the American Red Cross.
 

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20265 Beauvue Court, Leonardtown, St. Mary's County

Date: 07/20/2018

Time: 9:08 p.m.

Location / Address: 20265 Beauvue Court, Leonardtown, St. Mary's County

Type of Incident: House Fire

Description of Structure / Property: Single Family Home

Owner / Occupants: Raymond Russell

Injuries or Deaths: None

Estimated $ Loss: Structure: $250,000 Contents: $25,000

Smoke Alarm Status: Present, did not activate

Fire Alarm / Sprinkler Status: N/A

Arrests(s): N/A

Primary Responding Fire Department: Leonardtown VFD

# of Alarms: 1 # Of Firefighters: 55

Time to Control: 30 minutes

Discovered By: Owner

Area of Origin: Interior of Garage

Preliminary Cause: Under Investigation

Additional Information: The occupants of the home heard noises coming from the area of the garage. They went to investigate and upon entering the mud room were confronted by heavy smoke and flames. The family was displaced and are being assisted by family and friends. The cause of the fire remains under investigation at this time.
 

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39592 Walnut Circle, Mechanicsville, St. Mary's County, Maryland

Date: 7/17/18

Time: 2:27 p.m.

Location / Address: 39592 Walnut Circle, Mechanicsville, St. Mary's County, Maryland

Type of Incident: Fire

Description of Structure / Property: Split-Foyer Single Family Residence

Owner / Occupants: Owners - William & Kelly Raley

Injuries or Deaths: None

Estimated $ Loss: Structure: $ 1,000.00 Contents: $ 1,000.00

Smoke Alarm Status: Present - Activated

Fire Alarm / Sprinkler Status: N/A

Arrests(s): None

Primary Responding Fire Department: Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department

# of Alarms: 1 # Of Firefighters: 20

Time to Control: 5 minutes

Discovered By: Occupant

Area of Origin: Laundry Room

Preliminary Cause: Under Investigation

Additional Information: The fire originated in the laundry room of the residence. The occupant was alerted to the fire by a smoke detector and was able to escape, along with 2 dogs, uninjured. The family is being assisted by family and friends. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
 

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4090 Broadbill Circle, Waldorf, Charles County, Maryland

Date: 7-17-18

Time: 10:17 a.m.

Location / Address: 4090 Broadbill Circle, Waldorf, Charles County, Maryland

Type of Incident: Fire

Description of Structure / Property: 2 Story Single Family Home

Owner / Occupants: Mahmoud Khalifeh

Injuries or Deaths: None

Estimated $ Loss: Structure: $ 20,000 Contents: $

Smoke Alarm Status: N/A

Fire Alarm / Sprinkler Status: N/A

Arrests(s): None

Primary Responding Fire Department: Waldorf Volunteer Fire Department

# of Alarms: 1 # Of Firefighters: 5

Time to Control: 10 minutes

Discovered By: Occupant

Area of Origin: Exterior corner of Garage

Preliminary Cause: Accidental

Additional Information: The fire was the result of improperly discarded smoking materials igniting nearby combustibles. There were no injuries as a result of this incident and the family was not displaced.
 

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Route 6 & Rybikowsky Lane, Charlotte Hall, Charles County, Maryland

Date: 7/14/18

Time: 2:37 a.m.

Location / Address: Route 6 & Rybikowsky Lane, Charlotte Hall, Charles County, Maryland

Type of Incident: Fire

Description of Structure / Property: 2004 Yukon Denali

Owner / Occupants: Robert Nunnenkamp

Injuries or Deaths: None

Estimated $ Loss: Structure: $ 10,000.00 Contents: $

Smoke Alarm Status: N/A

Fire Alarm / Sprinkler Status: N/A

Arrests(s): None

Primary Responding Fire Department: Hughesville Volunteer Fire Department

# of Alarms: 1 # Of Firefighters: 5

Time to Control: 10 minutes

Discovered By: Passer By

Area of Origin: Interior of Vehicle

Preliminary Cause: Incendiary

Additional Information: A passer-by traveling on Route 6 noticed the vehicle on fire and called 911. The vehicle is a total loss due to the fire. Anyone with any information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Office of the State Fire Marshal, Southern Regional Office, at 443-550-6832.
 

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Causeway Drive, La Plata, Charles County, Maryland

Date: 7/12/18

Time: 12:39 a.m.

Location / Address: Causeway Drive, La Plata, Charles County, Maryland

Type of Incident: Fire

Description of Structure / Property: 2012 Honda Civic

Owner / Occupants: Sandra Valincia

Injuries or Deaths: None

Estimated $ Loss: Structure: $ 9,000.00 Contents: $

Smoke Alarm Status: N/A

Fire Alarm / Sprinkler Status: N/A

Arrests(s): None

Primary Responding Fire Department: La Plata Volunteer Fire Department

# of Alarms: 1 # Of Firefighters: 5

Time to Control: 5 minutes

Discovered By: Passer-By

Area of Origin: Multiple point of origin

Preliminary Cause: Incendiary

Additional Information: Anyone with any information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Office of the State Fire Marshal, Southern Regional Office, at 443-550-6835.
 

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2123 Carter Avenue, Dunkirk, Calvert County, Maryland

Date: 7/8/18

Time: 12:35 p.m.

Location / Address: 2123 Carter Avenue, Dunkirk, Calvert County, Maryland

Type of Incident: Fire

Description of Structure / Property: Debris

Owner / Occupants: Owner - Herman & Catherine Brown

Injuries or Deaths: None

Estimated $ Loss: Structure: $ 0 Contents: $ 250.00

Smoke Alarm Status: N/A

Fire Alarm / Sprinkler Status: N/A

Arrests(s): None

Primary Responding Fire Department: Dunkirk Volunteer Fire Department

# of Alarms: 1 # Of Firefighters: 5

Time to Control: 5 minutes

Discovered By: Neighbor

Area of Origin: Exterior of Residence

Preliminary Cause: Accidental

Additional Information: The accidental fire occurred as a result of a damaged extension cord on the exterior of the residence, which ignited combustible debris in the area. There were no injures as a result of the fire.
 

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19022 Russell Road, Valley Lee, St. Mary's County

Date: 07/09/2018

Time: 10:01 a.m.

Location / Address: 19022 Russell Road, Valley Lee, St. Mary's County

Type of Incident: House Fire

Description of Structure / Property: Two story single family home

Owner / Occupants: Kelly Moore

Injuries or Deaths: None

Estimated $ Loss: Structure: $ 50,000 Contents: $ 25,000

Smoke Alarm Status: Present and activated

Fire Alarm / Sprinkler Status: N/A

Arrests(s): N/A

Primary Responding Fire Department: Second District VFD

# of Alarms: 1 # Of Firefighters: 35

Time to Control: 15 minutes

Discovered By: Owner

Area of Origin: Bathroom

Preliminary Cause: Accidental

Additional Information: The owner of the home heard unusual noises from the attic of his home. Upon investigation the owner located smoke coming from the ceiling area of the bathroom and called 911. The investigation revealed the fire was caused by a heat light in the bathroom ceiling that ignited combustible materials. The occupant of the home was displaced and is being assisted by family and friends.
 

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Parking area of Westchester Square, Aldersgate Place, Waldorf, Charles County

Date: 7/7/2018

Time: 1:01 a.m.

Location / Address: Parking area of Westchester Square, Aldersgate Place, Waldorf, Charles County

Type of Incident: Vehicle Fire

Description of Structure / Property: 2015 Chrysler Sedan

Owner / Occupants: China Davis

Injuries or Deaths: None

Estimated $ Loss: Structure: $ 15,000 Contents: $ 0

Smoke Alarm Status: N/A

Fire Alarm / Sprinkler Status: N/A

Arrests(s): None

Primary Responding Fire Department: Waldorf VFD

# of Alarms: 1 # Of Firefighters: 4

Time to Control: 1 minute

Discovered By: Neighbor

Area of Origin: Interior of vehicle

Preliminary Cause: Incendiary

Additional Information: Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Maryland State Fire Marshals Office Southern Region at 443-550-6835.
 

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27505 James Road, Mechanicsville, St. Mary's County, Maryland

Date: 7/4/18

Time: 11:41 p.m.

Location / Address: 27505 James Road, Mechanicsville, St. Mary's County, Maryland

Type of Incident: Fire

Description of Structure / Property: Barn / Saw Mill

Owner / Occupants: Owner - Toby Stoltzus

Injuries or Deaths: None

Estimated $ Loss: Structure: $ 50,000.00 Contents: $ 150,000.00

Smoke Alarm Status: N/A

Fire Alarm / Sprinkler Status: N/A

Arrests(s): None

Primary Responding Fire Department: Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department

# of Alarms: 1 # Of Firefighters: 35

Time to Control: 1 Hour

Discovered By: Employee

Area of Origin: Interior of Barn

Preliminary Cause: Accidental

Additional Information: The accidental fire occurred as the result of sawmill equipment igniting combustible materials within the interior of the structure. There were no injuries as a result of the fire.
 

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39261 Decoy Way, Mechanicsville, St. Mary's County

Date: July 3, 2018

Time: 4:50 p.m

Location / Address: 39261 Decoy Way, Mechanicsville, St. Mary's County

Type of Incident: House Fire

Description of Structure / Property: Split Level single family dwelling

Owner / Occupants: Garry and Betty Dixon

Injuries or Deaths: None

Estimated $ Loss: Structure: $ 125,000 Contents: $ 50,000

Smoke Alarm Status: Present and activated

Fire Alarm / Sprinkler Status: N/A

Arrests(s): None

Primary Responding Fire Department: Mechanicsville

# of Alarms: One # Of Firefighters: 50

Time to Control: 25 min

Discovered By: Neighbor

Area of Origin: Exterior Deck

Preliminary Cause: Improperly discarded smoking materials

Additional Information: Family has been displaced and are being assisted by other family members.
 

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Fatal House Fire In Waldorf

CHARLES COUNTY (July 3, 2018) - Deputy State Fire Marshals are conducting an origin and cause investigation of an afternoon fire that occurred in a split level structure located at 2795 Berry Hills Road in Waldorf. The property is owned by Francis Blay and Akosua Ansah Blay. However, the house was a rental and there were two occupants currently living at the residence.

The 911 call was received at approximately 11:48 a.m. from a passerby who discovered the fire. Waldorf Volunteer Fire Department responded to the one alarm fire with with approximately 45 fire personnel from surrounding Departments. It took firefighters approximately 25 minutes to control the fire. The damage caused approximately $300,000 to the structure and approximately $100,000 to the contents. Once the fire was extinguished they found a deceased adult male occupant in the residence. Due to the amount of damage to the structure, it cannot be confirmed if the smoke alarms were working at the time of the fire. The area of origin is in a bedroom and the cause is currently under investigation.

The victim was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. The victim's name is not being released at this time pending notification.

The Charles County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation's Division is assisting with the investigation. The Red Cross is assisting the additional occupant.

This is all the information available at this time. Additional information will be released once it becomes available.

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FATAL HOUSE FIRE IN WALDORF - UPDATE

CHARLES COUNTY (July 5, 2018) - Deputy State Fire Marshals are continuing to investigate the fire that took the life of 50 year old David Eugene Cordell on July 3, 2018, at his residence on 2795 Berry Hills Road in Waldorf. Charles County Sheriff's Office confirmed the victim's identification.

The Office of The Chief Medical Examiner currently has the cause of his death as "pending" as they wait on results of additional lab reports.

This is all the information available at this time. Additional information will be released once it becomes available.
 

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12330 Sandstone Street, Waldorf, Charles County, Maryland

Date: 6-21-18

Time: 11:45 a.m.

Location / Address: 12330 Sandstone Street, Waldorf, Charles County, Maryland

Type of Incident: Fire

Description of Structure / Property: Mid-Unit Townhouse Garage Fire

Owner / Occupants: Marcia Harris

Injuries or Deaths: None

Estimated $ Loss: Structure: $ 3,000.00 Contents: $ 50.00

Smoke Alarm Status: N/A

Fire Alarm / Sprinkler Status: N/A

Arrests(s): None

Primary Responding Fire Department: Waldorf Volunteer Fire Department

# of Alarms: 1 # Of Firefighters: 4

Time to Control: 5 minutes

Discovered By: Homeowner

Area of Origin: Interior of Garage

Preliminary Cause: Accidental - Discarded Smoking Materials

Additional Information:
 

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328 Serenity Court, Prince Frederick, Calvert County, Maryland

Date: 6-19-18

Time: 1:32 a.m.

Location / Address: 328 Serenity Court, Prince Frederick, Calvert County, Maryland

Type of Incident: Fire

Description of Structure / Property: 2003 Saturn

Owner / Occupants: Daytonya Riley

Injuries or Deaths: None

Estimated $ Loss: Structure: $ 1,000.00 Contents: $

Smoke Alarm Status: N/A

Fire Alarm / Sprinkler Status: N/A

Arrests(s): None

Primary Responding Fire Department: Prince Frederick Volunteer Fire Department

# of Alarms: 1 # Of Firefighters: 2

Time to Control: 5 minutes

Discovered By: Neighbor

Area of Origin: Under Investigation

Preliminary Cause: Under Investigation

Additional Information: The owner of the 2003 Saturn has been notified. This incident is currently under investigation. Anyone with any information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Office of the State Fire Marshal, Southern Regional Office, at 443-550-6835.
 

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2460 Old Washington Road, Waldorf, Charles County, Maryland

Date: 6/18/18

Time: 9:54 p.m.

Location / Address: 2460 Old Washington Road, Waldorf, Charles County, Maryland

Type of Incident: Fire

Description of Structure / Property: Ford Econoline 350 Box Truck

Owner / Occupants: Gold Star Cars

Injuries or Deaths: None

Estimated $ Loss: Structure: $ 1,000.00 Contents: $

Smoke Alarm Status: N/A

Fire Alarm / Sprinkler Status: N/A

Arrests(s): None

Primary Responding Fire Department: Waldorf Volunteer Fire Department

# of Alarms: 1 # Of Firefighters: 5

Time to Control: 10 minutes

Discovered By: Charles County Sheriff's Office

Area of Origin: Interior Passenger Compartment

Preliminary Cause: Incendiary - available combustibles were ignited inside the vehicle, extending to the back of the box truck, which was full of tires.

Additional Information: A Sergeant with the Charles County Sheriff's Office was passing by the area and noticed smoke coming from the unoccupied vehicle and notified communications. Anyone with any information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Office of the State Fire Marshal, Southern Regional Office, at 443-550-6832.
 

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76 Rawlings Road, Prince Frederick, Calvert County, MD

Date: 6-11-18

Time: 11:16 a.m.

Location / Address: 76 Rawlings Road, Prince Frederick, Calvert County, MD

Type of Incident: Fire

Description of Structure / Property: 2 Story Detached Garage

Owner / Occupants: Calvert County Government / Stanley & Ruanne Watson

Injuries or Deaths: None

Estimated $ Loss: Structure: $ 50,000.00 Contents: $ 50,000.00

Smoke Alarm Status: None

Fire Alarm / Sprinkler Status: N/A

Arrests(s): None

Primary Responding Fire Department: Prince Frederick Volunteer Fire Department

# of Alarms: 1 # Of Firefighters: 40

Time to Control: 30 minutes

Discovered By: Owner

Area of Origin: Interior

Preliminary Cause: Under Investigation

Additional Information: The cause of this fire is currently under investigation. Anyone with any information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Office of the State Fire Marshal, Southern Regional Office, at 443-550-6834.
 

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