Parsonsburg Fire Claims Two Lives, Injures Off-Duty Firefighter

Parsonsburg, MD - Two individuals have passed away following a residential structure fire in Parsonsburg, Maryland early Sunday morning.

The incident was reported just before 2:40 a.m. A passerby observed smoke and flames emitting from a residence in the 32000 block of Old Ocean City Road and attempted to alert the occupants by knocking on doors and windows.

An off-duty firefighter from the Ocean City Fire Department, who also serves as a volunteer with the Parsonsburg Volunteer Fire Company, arrived at the scene. Entry was forced through the rear door of the home in an attempt to locate occupants.

A victim was discovered, but the rescuer was overcome by heavy smoke and was compelled to exit the structure. The firefighter was transported by Maryland State Police Aviation Command to a Baltimore area hospital and is reported to be in stable condition.

Firefighters from the Parsonsburg Volunteer Fire Company and surrounding departments responded to the scene. The incident was upgraded to two alarms as the fire spread throughout the two-story home.

Sections of the structure collapsed during the blaze. It took approximately 100 firefighters nearly two hours to bring the fire under control.

The remains of two victims were subsequently located inside.

The origin and cause of the fire remain under investigation. It has not been determined by Deputy State Fire Marshals whether smoke alarms were present in the home.

The victims were transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for positive identification and determination of the cause of death.

"This is a heartbreaking incident for the Parsonburg community and for the fire service. An off-duty firefighter did what firefighters do - he acted without hesitation to try to save lives. We are grateful he is expected to recover. Tragically, two lives were lost, which reminds us how quickly fires can turn deadly. Every home should have working smoke alarms and a home escape plan," said Acting State Fire Marshal Jason M. Mowbray.

An investigation into the cause of the incident is currently being conducted by the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Maryland State Police. Assistance was provided by the Maryland State Police, in accordance with standard operating procedures for fatal fires.

Photo Credit - Office of the State Fire Marshal