PGFD fatal house fire. Body found in burned house believed to be of elderly woman.

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Photo by Bradley Keith, PGFD Safety Officer

The Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department reports firefighters knew on dispatch there was likely a woman trapped inside the burning home at 10,200 Old Indian Head Road near Upper Marlboro, Maryland. The call came in around 8:15 PM on Tuesday evening.

According to Chief Spokesman Mark Brady, the first firefighters attempted to get to the woman despite significant fire conditions in the 1-story, single family home. Here’s what Brady wrote in a PGFD press release:

First arriving firefighters made several valiant attempts in entering the burning home and search for the trapped victim, however, were forced to retreat due to the rapidly deteriorating and unsafe conditions. Heavy fire had consumed one half of the structure and was quickly extending throughout the remainder.

Incident Commanders ordered firefighters to evacuate the now well involved structure and shortly afterwards a partial collapse occurred. A natural gas line broke inside during the firefight allowing a release of product that, at that point, had no impact in searching for the victim or extinguishing the fire.

It took about 30-minutes of an exterior attack before enough of the fire was extinguished to allow crews back inside. That’s when the body was discovered. It is believed to be that of the 74-year-old woman who lived alone in the home. Positive identification is expected from the Maryland State Medical Examiner’s Office.

There were no injuries to firefighters.