La Plata, MD – An investigation is underway following a fire at a single-family residence located at 6955 Ellenwood Court in Charles County. The incident occurred on Saturday at 1:58 a.m.
The property, owned by Edwin and Joanne Santos, sustained an estimated $25,000 in structural damage and $50,000 in content loss. No injuries or deaths were reported. The fire was discovered by the occupants and originated in the attached garage.
The La Plata Volunteer Fire Department responded to the scene, dispatching 335 firefighters to control the blaze, which took approximately 15 minutes. The status of smoke alarms and fire alarms or sprinklers in the residence was noted as not applicable.
The cause of the fire remains undetermined and is currently under investigation. The fire has displaced the Santos family, who are receiving assistance from the American Red Cross.
The Office of the State Fire Marshal, an agency of the Department of State Police, is handling the investigation. The agency is committed to fire safety education, inspection, investigation, and fire protection engineering. For more information on fire safety, citizens are encouraged to call 1-800-525-3124 or visit the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s website or Facebook page.