Christmas Evening Fires Damage Homes - Upper Marlboro and Capitol Heights


MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930
mebrady@co.pg.md.us     @PGFDPIO

Two fires occurring on Christmas evening destroyed homes in Upper Marlboro and Capitol Heights.  Fortunately, no civilian or firefighter injuries were reported. 

The first fire was reported at about 8:40 pm in the 14900 block of Rolling Meadows Lane, an 1800 square foot, 1-story single family home. This home is located in a non-hydrant area requiring firefighters to use the water carried on their engines with additional large amounts of water shuttled to the scene by Fire Department Water Tankers.  Firefighters arrived to find fire showing from the structure and initiated an interior attack and search.  All personnel were forced to evacuate the burning home shortly afterwards.  After the bulk of the fire was knocked down from the safety of exterior positions, firefighters re-entered the structure to completely extinguish the fire.  It required 60 minutes to declare the fire under control.  Firefighters remained on the scene late into the night overhauling and ensuring the fire remained extinguished.

Fire loss is estimated at $200,000.  The cause of the fire remains under investigation and is currently classified as “undetermined.”  Two adult residents were displaced.

The second home fire occurred just before 10:30 pm at a 2-story, 900 square foot, single-family home in the 1000 block of Iago Avenue in Capitol Heights.  Firefighters arrived to find fire showing from the first floor.   Crews initiated an interior attack and a search of the interior as initial 911 calls indicated that someone may have been trapped inside the burning house.  The fire was knocked in about 20 minutes and all searches for trapped occupants were negative.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation and is currently classified as “undetermined.”  Fire loss is estimated at $50,000.  Occupants displaced but did not require any assistance.

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