Deadly Waldorf fire leaves community in shock and mourning

WALDORF, Md. (DC News Now) — Heartache continues growing following Sunday’s fire that claimed six lives, including four children.

“I can’t imagine just what’s going… through the survivor’s head right now,” said Anesha Berry, who lives two doors down from where the house fire happened along Declaration Court.

“We don’t get to see the children riding their bikes in the cul-de-sac anymore. And, you know, and then in the grandmother riding on her motorized scooter up and down Stavors (Road), you know, picking up groceries and coming back to her home,” Berry said.

Fire investigators said they believe the blaze started on the home’s back porch. Two people survived, while a third person, who also lived in the house, was not home at the time.

“I’m really upset — the kids,” said Lee Leung, a family friend and neighbor.

The fire, according to the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office, is the deadliest in the state since January 2015, when six people perished in a house fire in Annapolis.

“I love the kids, you know,” Leung said. “Yeah. I feel really sad. And my heart is broken.”

Investigators have not released the names of those who died, but the Charles County Public School District said the fire impacted one of its families.

“Please keep the family, our first responders and community in your thoughts,” said the statement posted on the district’s social media page.

Investigators said they’re still working to find out if the home had working smoke detectors.