Naval Air Station Firefighter Killed in Fall Through Floor at MD House Fire

A team of county, state and federal investigators are combing through the charred debris of a Leonardtown house where a firefighter perished early Tuesday morning.

The firefighter was stationed at Patuxent River Naval Air Station and was part of a crew who provided mutual aid, according to Southern Maryland News Net. 

He fell through the first floor into the basement as he battled the fire. He was pinned under heavy debris, fire officials said.

Heavy fire was showing from the first and second floors when Leonardtown firefighters approached the area near St. Mary's River State Park.

One of the residents said he was awaken by his daughter who told him the house was on fire. She also reported hearing a loud noise. He, his daughter and another person escaped and watched the firefighters from across the road, he told reporters Tuesday afternoon.

There were heavy storms in the area when the fire broke out, according to Deputy State Fire Marshal Oliver Alkire.  

After the firefighter fell, a second alarm was requested for assistance, authorities said adding that crews from Hollywood, Bay District, NAS Patuxent River, Valley Lee, and Seventh District responded.

Other firefighters also fell into the basement. However, they were rescued. One was injured and transported to the hospital for treatment. 

After the incident, all St. Mary’s County fire departments were placed out of service with all stations being covered and or assisted by personnel from Charles, Calvert, Prince George’s County, Anne Arundel, Virginia and other jurisdictions.

Firefighters and police escorted the fallen brother to the Maryland Medical Examiner's Office in Baltimore.