1201 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, MD 21208

Maryland State Fire Marshal

News Release Martin O’Malley William E. Barnard Governor State Fire Marshal

CANDLES CAUSE ONE ALARM DWELLING FIRE

CHARLES COUNTY, MD (January 26, 2012) – Deputy State Fire Marshals have determined the

cause of the dwelling fire today at 917 Copley Avenue in Waldorf was the result of unattended lit candles in the

first floor living room of the two story, split level wood frame home.

The 7:43 a.m. one alarm fire was brought under control within fifteen minutes by approximately 25

firefighters from Waldorf, La Plata, Brandywine, Bel–Alton and Accokeek Volunteer Fire Departments.

During the incident, Ashley Thomas (21) awoke to odd sounds occurring inside the home and upon

opening her bedroom door was confronted with smoke and flames. She quickly closed the door and escaped

through her second floor bedroom window and landed on the hood of the car located in the driveway. Ashley

was transported by ambulance to Civista Medical Center, where she was treated and released after receiving

minor injuries received from contact with the vehicles hood. Her younger siblings; 17 year-old Tyrone Thomas

and 12 year-old Darious Womack were at the bus stop when they observed smoke coming from their home.

Investigators determined the home was without electrical service after the power had been disconnected

the previous day. No working smoke alarms were located during the on-scene investigation.

State Fire Marshal William E. Barnard requests all Marylanders to install, test and maintain their smoke

alarms. “These life saving devices can provide an early notification to escape injury and death from the

ingredients of fire,” stated Barnard.

###

Media contact: Bruce D. Bouch, Deputy State Fire Marshal; 443-324-6876

The Office of the State Fire Marshal is an agency of the Department of State Police dedicated to helping protect

citizens from fire and explosion through a comprehensive program of education, inspection, investigation and fire

protection engineering. For more information on fire safety call 1-800-525-3124, log onto our website at:

www.firemarshal.state.md.us and/or follow us on Facebook under “Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal”.