Smoking Materials Blamed for Denton House Fire

Denton, MD - On Sunday, September, 13, 2026 at approximately 7:58 a.m., the Denton Volunteer Fire Company responded to Briarwood Circle in Caroline County, Maryland for a reported structure fire. The structure was a two-story, wood frame, single-family house with an attached garage.

An occupant discovered the fire inside the attached garage and alerted the rest of the household. Everyone in the home made it out safely.

Before leaving, the occupant closed the interior door leading from the garage into the house.

Fire officials say that quick decision made a big difference. Closing that door helped keep the fire and smoke from spreading further into the living space. Most of the damage stayed contained to the garage area.

Twenty five firefighters responded to bring the fire under control. It took about an hour to fully get the fire under control. One alarm was requested for the response.

The home did have working smoke alarms and a fire alarm system.

However, officials noted there was an unprotected area within the garage where the fire started. The area of origin was the interior attached garage.

Fire investigators have listed the preliminary cause as accidental, resulting from discarded smoking materials. The State Fire Marshal's Office estimates the loss to the structure and its contents at $300,000. Five people were displaced from the home as a result of the fire.

A family pet cat remains unaccounted for at this time. Neighbors and community members are hoping the cat is found safe. No other injuries were reported.

The displaced family is now being supported by family, friends, and the American Red Cross.