MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930
MEBrady@co.pg.md.us @PGFDPIO
“Change your Clock – Change your Battery” is a battle cry
from firefighters heard across the Country urging residents to remember to
check their smoke alarm when they move their clock forward one-hour to reflect
Daylight Saving Time. On this very day Prince
George’s County firefighters battled a well-advanced fire and removed an
occupant that was later pronounced at the hospital. No smoke alarms were found inside the home.
Colmar Manor community members saw the fire coming from the
roof of the 2-story split-foyer single-family home in the 4200 block of Monroe
Street just after 10:00 pm, Sunday, March 11.
They did everything they possibly could including banging on the front door of the house, calling 911 and reporting what they were seeing but there was nothing more they could do.
Firefighters arrived and encountered fire conditions
throughout the top floor of the structure.
The fire had already extended into the attic and through the roof. A simultaneous interior attack on the fire
and search for occupants ensued resulting in finding an unconscious adult male
occupant. He was removed and medics
initiated pre-hospital emergency care and transported to a nearby medical
facility. Sadly, the 70-year-old man was
pronounced a short time later. No other
civilian or firefighter injuries were reported.
The fire was extinguished and personnel from the County
Office of the Fire Marshal started their investigation into the cause and
origin of the fire. They estimate that
$150,000 in fire loss occurred to the structure and contents. The cause and origin remain under
investigation. An autopsy will be
performed to determine if this will be the 4th fire fatality of
2018. There were a total of 5 residential
fire fatalities with accidental causes in calendar year 2017. Fire related fatalities in 2017 and to date
in 2018 have occurred in homes that did not have a working smoke alarm.
Maryland residents are reminded to
have 10-year smoke alarms on every level of your home, primarily, in hallways
just outside of sleeping areas. Additionally, 10-year smoke alarms
should be installed in every bedroom and residents should close their bedroom
doors when they go to sleep.
Regardless of the type of smoke alarm
you have, test your alarms on the Safety First Day of every month to ensure
they are working. In addition to having working smoke alarms an
escape plan should be planned and practiced with all home occupants identifying
2-ways out of every room in your house and a safe meeting place outside.
Prince George’s County residents that
need a 10-year smoke alarm installed in their home and can not afford to
purchase one themselves should call 311 and ask about the free smoke alarm
installation program.
Please install and maintain working
smoke alarms – they save lives!!!
Identity of deceased:
William Mobley – DOB 1-14-1948
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