CHARLES COUNTY, Md. (February 13, 2013) - A fire late Tuesday night claimed the life of one victim in Indian Head. Maryland State Fire Marshals and the Charles County Sheriff’s Office identified the deceased victim as Geraldine R. Key, 66, who was unable to escape from the fire in her bedroom. Family members attempted to assist the victim but were forced out of the residence due to the amount of smoke and fire, which quickly spread throughout the house. The remaining seven occupants were able to escape the house fire without injury.
At 10:17 p.m., a house fire was dispatched for a single family dwelling at 5315 Stuckey Road of Indian Head. When the fire department arrived on scene, there was extensive fire coming from the rear of the residence. Soon after their arrival, a structural collapse forced the fire department to an exterior attack on the fire.
One firefighter sustained a burn injury at the scene of the fire; he has been treated and released from the hospital.
Volunteer Fire Departments from Marbury, Bryans Road, Potomac Heights, Nanjemoy, Bel Alton and Stump Neck Naval Station assisted in the suppression efforts.
The one story cinder block home with a partial living space in the attic was destroyed by the fire, causing about $80,000 damage. At this time, the American Red Cross is assisting the family.
The Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office is still investigating the cause of the fire. The victim was sent to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for autopsy and examination to determine the cause of death.
Source: Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office