Forestville, MD - One victim, unable to escape the flames and smoke, is dead after an early morning house fire. A second victim suffered a minor injury as the remaining occupants fled the home about 1:30 a.m.
Fifty personnel responded to the incident located in the 2600 block of Kirtland Avenue. Arriving firefighters were told that people might still be inside the home. Crews searched the home immediately without finding anyone.
Crews encountered heavy fire conditions towards the rear of the house. Once the fire was extinguished a detailed search of the home located one victim in the area where the fire was located.
Investigators have identified the victim as a child. Further identification will be released once identity is positively confirmed.
Investigators found no evidence of working smoke alarms in the residence. Damage is estimated at $65,000. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
This is the sixth fire fatality this year. "Regrettably, most fire deaths are preventable. It is difficult to get the public to understand the true value of working smoke alarms until tragedy strikes. Most cases involve things people would say they know how to do safely, such as cooking or using space heaters," said Fire Chief Ronald Blackwell.
Chief Blackwell says, "Smoke alarms double your chances of surviving a residential fie by giving you and your family the early warning necessary to get out alive." Citizens in need of a smoke alarm can request one free of charge online at www.pgfireems.com
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Child Dies In Prince George's County, Maryland House Fire
