4 children among 6 dead in Maryland house fire: 'Unimaginable loss'
The fire broke out at a home in Waldorf, located about 28 miles from Washington, D.C., on Sunday, Aug. 10.
Authorities received 911 calls about the fire with "reported entrapment" just before 9 a.m., according to a press release from the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal.
When deputies from the Charles County Sheriff's Office got to the scene, they learned that two people had escaped the home unharmed, but six other victims were inside.
The blaze and heavy smoke prevented the deputies from initially entering the home.
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Officials: 4 children found dead in the home
Other local fire and volunteer agencies joined the effort to distinguish the fire and search for the victims, the press release stated.
According to local outlet WTOP News, more than 70 officials were present. A reporter with the outlet described the home as being "engulfed in flames," taking them "over an hour to get the fire under control."
A total of six people, including four children, were discovered to be dead in the home, per the press release. A third adult later came to the house while firefighters were inside.
'Unimaginable loss for the community'
The incident is under investigation, but authorities "determined the fire originated within an enclosed porch on the right side of the home."
"This is an unimaginable loss for the community. Our hearts go out to the families impacted by this heartbreaking event," Acting State Fire Marshal Jason M. Mowbray said in a statement.
"In times like this, we must come together to support one another and remember the importance of fire safety in our homes," he continued.
USA TODAY reached out to the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal for more information.
Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: House fire in Waldorf, Maryland: 6 dead, including 4 children
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