Female Rescued from Burning Temple Hills Home

MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930

mebrady@co.pg.md.us     @PGFDPIO

A female was rescued this morning by firefighters from her burning Temple Hills home.  Firefighter/Medics were alerted at around 9:15 am, Sunday, January 17, to a reported house fire with a person trapped.  Firefighters from Silver Hill Fire/EMS Station 829 were the first to arrive to find smoke coming from the 1-story with basement duplex in the 3100 block of Bellbrook Court. 

With a report of someone being trapped in the basement firefighters made an aggressive interior search quickly locating a female and removing her to awaiting paramedics.  The fire was quickly extinguished. 

Medics quickly loaded the 20ish year old female into their unit and transported her to a Burn Unit.  She appeared to be suffering from 2nd degree burns to about 40% of her body and smoke inhalation.  She is currently being treated and is listed in serious condition.

Other residents in the house smelled smoke and tried to make their way to the source of the smoke in the basement but were driven back by the thick smoke.  Occupants stated their smoke alarm apparently was non-working and failed to activate.

The cause of the fire is currently undetermined and remains under investigation.  Fire loss is estimated at $50,000.  Firefighters from the Silver Hill station were going to return to the community today to check on smoke alarms to ensure they are working.

All residents should check their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on the Safety First Day of every month to ensure they are working.  Alarms that are 10 years or older should be replaced with a new 10-year alarm and install one on every level of your home near sleeping areas and inside of bedrooms.  Sleep with your bedroom doors closed.

Prince George’s County residents needing a working smoke alarm and can not afford to purchase one should call 311.  A firefighter will come to your house and install one for you free of charge.