Smoke Detector Disabled In House Fire That Killed 6 Family Members

WALDORF, MD — Two mothers and four of their children died in a Waldorf house fire. Authorities said Wednesday a smoke detector in the basement of the home was disconnected and had no battery installed.

The Maryland state fire marshal's office said preliminary information indicates the victims are believed to be the wife and three children of the homeowner, along with the wife and child of another surviving occupant of the home.

The fire marshal said the office must confirm all victim identities through the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner before releasing any names or ages.

"One of the most sensitive and time-consuming parts of a fatal fire investigation is positively identifying the victims," the fire marshal's statement said. "In fatal fires, extreme heat, heavy smoke, and structural damage can make visual identification impossible. In such cases, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner relies on advanced forensic methods such as dental record comparison, fingerprint analysis, or DNA testing. Each step requires meticulous work to ensure accuracy, dignity, and certainty for the victims' families."

• Related: MD Fire Kills 6 Residents, Including 4 Children

While no evidence of arson has been found, the cause remains under investigation.

All the smoke alarms on the first and second floors of the home were destroyed, officials said.

Two adults in the home at the time escaped the blaze in the 3000 block of Declaration Court North, according to the Charles County Sheriff's Office. Another adult occupant arrived at the home while the fire department was on the scene.

While the cause of the fire remains under investigation, investigators said the fire originated within an enclosed porch on the right side of the home.

"We must methodically examine every possible fire cause and contributing factor," said Acting State Fire Marshal Jason M. Mowbray. "Determining whether smoke alarms were sounding is not always straightforward, but it is essential to understanding how and why tragedies like this occur."

Even if an alarm did sound, occupants may not have heard it because of closed doors, distance from the device, background noise, or the fire spreading rapidly and overpowering the sound.

"This is an unimaginable loss for the community," Mowbray said. "Our hearts go out to the families impacted by this heartbreaking event. In times like this, we must come together to support one another and remember the importance of fire safety in our homes."