MARYLAND CITY, Md. — Maryland State Fire Marshal is issuing a call for Marylanders to check their smoke alarms and have an escape plan in the event of a fire. Crews are investigating two fatal fires in Maryland that occurred within hours of one another.
On Friday, just after 11 p.m. crews were called to a home in St. Mary's County for a shed fire. A man believed to be the adult son of the homeowners died in the fire. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Saturday, crews were called out to a home located along Quantico Creek Road after the owners reported a fire inside of the home. When they arrived, crews were told a woman was inside of the home. Firefighters located the woman, unconscious on the second floor.
The homeowner, Amy Appleby-Harris, 58, was taken to an area hospital in critical condition. Despite medical efforts, Appleby-Harris succumbed to her injuries Saturday afternoon.
Deputy State Fire Marshals concluded: the fire originated in the master-bedroom located on the second floor and was caused by smoking. The home did have working smoke detectors at the time of the fire, but Appleby-Harris had pre-existing medical conditions that prevented her from freely escaping the home.
"Each year, heating and smoking-related fires are leading causes of Marylanders tragically losing their lives. You only have minutes from the sound of the first smoke alarm to escape a fire," said Acting State Fire Marshal Jason M. Mowbray. "Please, make sure you check your smoke alarms today. The sooner you hear an alarm, the sooner you can get out. Have an escape plan, and once you get out, stay out. It can be a matter of life or death for you and your loved ones," stated Mowbray.