MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930
At about 1:45 am, Friday, February 17, Prince George’s County Firefighters and Paramedics were alerted to a townhouse fire with a child trapped. Fire/EMS units arrived at the 2-story, end of the row, townhouse at 6135 Hil-Mar Drive in District Heights with heavy fire showing from the first floor with some fire extension and heavy smoke on the second floor.
A working smoke alarm alerted one of the residents to the fire who was able to alert some of the other occupants. Three adults and one child had escaped the townhouse prior to the Fire Departments arrival; however, a 2-year-old was unable to be initially rescued by occupants and remained in a second floor bedroom.
As firefighters from District Heights stretched hose lines and initiated an attack on the fire, a crew of firefighters on-board the ladder truck from Silver Hill used ground ladders to gain access to a second floor bedroom, located the child and removed her back down the ladder. The 2-year-old female was not breathing and had no pulse. Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation was immediately started and paramedics transported the child to a nearby hospital in “Critical” condition.
A 9-year-old child was also transported to an area hospital for evaluation of smoke inhalation injuries.
The fire was extinguished within 15 minutes of arrival and appears to have started in the kitchen area; however, the official cause of the fire is under investigation. Fire loss estimates are still being tabulated.
After arrival at the hospital paramedics advised that a pulse had been restored on the 2-year-old and arrangements were being made to transfer her to Children’s National Medical Center. The toddler remains in “Critical” condition.
A firefighter sustained minor burn injuries and transported to the Burn Unit at Washington Hospital Center. It is expected that the firefighter will be treated and released this morning.
The Prince George's County Citizens Services Unit is on location assisting the displaced family.
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