Maryland Deputy State Fire Marshals are investigating the cause of an Elkton fire that claimed the life of a 55-year-old man and critically injured a female Thursday morning.
Just before 7:00 a.m., a neighbor observed a large fire in the unit block of Walnut Grove Road. Cecil County Sheriff’s Office was the first to arrive and discovered the fire involved a camper trailer with heavy fire throughout just behind the home. Deputies confirmed a deceased male was located in a window. Firefighters with Singerly Fire Company arrived moments later and discovered another critically injured 55-year-old woman outside the home.
Firefighters from multiple departments were able to contain the blaze to the camper, but not before it extensively damaged the adjacent home. Paramedics initially treated the woman, and Maryland State Police Aviation Command later flew her to Johns Hopkins Bayview Burn Center, where she is listed in critical condition. A man living in the home that was damaged was able to escape without injury. Investigators said all of the parties are related.
Deputy State Fire Marshals, along with their partners assigned to the Maryland State Police Criminal Enforcement Division, will work throughout the day to determine the origin and cause of the fire.
A joint investigation between the police agency having jurisdiction and the Office of the State Fire Marshal is standard operating procedure whenever a fatal fire occurs officials said Thursday.
Breaking Report
Just after 7:00 Thursday morning firefighters from Elkton, Maryland New Castle County, Delaware, and Chester County, Pennsylvania responded to a home on Walnut Grove Road for reports of a house fire with entrapment.
Crews responding to the scene reported a column of smoke was visible from a distance. Crews arriving at the home reported heavy fire showing. Crews have reported that one patient has been located with serious burns. Command has asked for aviation to transport the patient.
Crews are working to bring the fire under control.
Crews are being told that one person may have been trapped inside the home. A search is underway Additional details will be released shortly.
This is a developing story.