NANJEMOY, Charles County, – At about 8:58 p.m. on Feb. 21, a fire broke out at 8200 block of Gilroy Road in Nanjemoy. The single story, single family home, owned by Sandra Gilroy, caught fire in the bedroom area. The occupant discovered the blaze while inside the home, and the installed smoke alarm activated, alerting her to the danger. Ms. Gilroy promptly evacuated and later received treatment at MedStar Washington Hospital Center for minor burns and smoke inhalation; her injuries are not life threatening.
Firefighters from the Nanjemoy Volunteer Fire Department, totaling 57 personnel, responded to the incident and brought the fire under control within 30 minutes. The blaze caused an estimated $250,000 in structural damage and approximately $30,000 in damage to personal contents. The home did not have a fire alarm system or sprinklers, a factor that may have contributed to the extent of the property loss despite the smoke alarm’s early activation.
Preliminary information indicates that the fire originated in the bedroom. Fire officials have stated that the cause is still under investigation and that the incident is not considered suspicious. Investigators are reviewing the scene in accordance with standard procedures.
