Two people in critical condition after early-morning house fire in Hagerstown

HAGERSTOWN, MD. (WBFF) — Two people were rescued from a burning multi-family residence early Friday morning after firefighters responded to a two-alarm fire in Hagerstown.

The Hagerstown Fire Department was dispatched shortly before 1 a.m. on March 13 to a reported structure fire with possible occupants trapped inside at 145 South Prospect Street, according to fire officials.

While crews were en route, the Washington County Emergency Communications Center received multiple 911 calls reporting visible flames and indicating that several people might be trapped inside.

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Engine 4, responding from the city’s West End Fire Station, arrived first and encountered heavy fire conditions coming from the multi-residential structure.

The incident was quickly upgraded to a working fire, bringing additional fire and EMS units to the scene.

145 S Prospect St – March 13 2026 – (Credit: Archie Miller)

Several residents were able to escape the building before firefighters arrived, but reports indicated others were still trapped inside.

Firefighters immediately began attacking the fire while conducting search operations throughout the building.

During the search, crews located two occupants unconscious on the first floor.

Firefighters removed the victims from the building to a rear elevated deck, where additional crews assisted in transferring them to waiting paramedics from Community Rescue Service. The victims were then transported for medical care.

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Because of the ongoing rescue efforts and fire spreading to multiple floors, a second alarm was requested to bring more personnel to the scene.

Firefighters battled the blaze for more than an hour as flames spread into wall cavities and ceiling void spaces.

The main body of the fire was brought under control in about 80 minutes, but crews remained on scene for several hours extinguishing hidden fire within the building.

The successful removal and care of the victims was truly a team effort from start to finish,” said Deputy Fire Chief Adam Hopkins, via press release. “Our highly trained and well-practiced Hagerstown firefighters worked quickly under very difficult conditions to locate and remove the victims from the structure. Our automatic aid partners assisted with their removal and rapid transfer to EMS crews from Community Rescue Service, whose paramedics immediately began advanced life-saving care. That care was continued by the staff at Meritus Medical Center. Incidents like this highlight how critical training, preparation, and strong partnerships are to giving victims the best possible chance of survival.

The two rescued occupants remain in critical condition as of Friday afternoon. Additional updates regarding their condition will be provided if they become available.

The Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office responded to investigate the fire. A preliminary investigation indicates the blaze is believed to be accidental, though the exact cause remains under review.

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Following the incident, fire officials are reminding residents about the importance of smoke alarms and home escape plans.

Fire can grow and become deadly in a matter of minutes,” said Fire Chief John DiBacco, via press release. “Working smoke alarms give families the critical early warning they need to escape safely, and every household should also have and practice a home escape plan. In light of this morning’s fire, our firefighters will be in the neighborhood this afternoon checking smoke alarms and helping residents make sure they have that protection in place. A working smoke alarm can truly be the difference between life and death.

In response to the fire, Hagerstown firefighters will conduct smoke alarm checks in the 100 and 200 blocks of South Prospect Street beginning around 4:15 p.m. Friday, helping residents ensure their alarms are working and that families have escape plans in place.