December 26th, 2023 by WCBC Radio

 The Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Maryland State Police Criminal Enforcement Division continue to investigate a Christmas morning fire in Elkton that killed a child early Christmas Day and left her devastated family without a home. 

The Singerly Fire Company and surrounding departments responded around 7:30 a.m. to a reported dwelling fire at 317 Willow Drive. Upon arrival, firefighters found the family standing outside their home, stating a young girl was still inside. Firefighters heroically entered the home and located the child. However, she was later pronounced deceased on the scene. The fire was upgraded to two alarms, bringing nearly 75 firefighters to the scene, and it took almost one hour to control. 

At this time, official identification and cause of death are pending with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Still, the victim is believed to be a 10-year-old resident of the home. Five other family members lived in the home, including four adults and a 13-year-old. 

The fire's origin and cause remain under investigation, and investigators have been unable to locate working smoke alarms in the home. The fire marshal's office reminds all Maryland residents that smoke alarms have proven to be the difference between life and death in a fire emergency.

"I, and every member of the Office of the State Fire Marshal, extend our sincere condolences to the victim's family and friends. It is a heartbreaking day for Elkton and the community of Winding Brook Village,' said Acting State Fire Marshal Jason M. Mowbray. 

Six people were displaced from their home at 319 Willow Drive due to the fire and are being assisted by the American Red Cross. 

A joint investigation between the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the local jurisdiction is a standard operating procedure when a fatal fire occurs.