HOLLYWOOD, Md. (7News) — A father was killed after re-entering his burning St. Mary’s County home Sunday night in an attempt to save his 10-year-old child, according to the Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal.
The fire was reported around 9:40 p.m. in the 22800 block of Thornbury Drive in Hollywood, Maryland. Firefighters from the Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Department and several surrounding departments responded to reports of a house fire with a child believed to be trapped inside.
When crews arrived, they found a two-story single-family home heavily involved in fire. Initial reports indicated the child’s father had gone back into the home to try to find the child.
SEE ALSO | 2 women found dead, 2 firefighters hurt in Silver Spring house fire
After extinguishing the fire, firefighters found the father dead on the second floor of the home, according to the State Fire Marshal.
A July 6, 2026, photo of a fatal house fire in St. Mary’s County, Maryland, along Thornbury Drive. (Raul Candia/7News)
Officials later confirmed that the child had safely escaped the home.
The victim, identified by officials as the child’s father and homeowner, was taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
While the fire remains under investigation, officials said their preliminary information indicates the family had been using ground-based sparkler fireworks earlier in the evening. After the fireworks display ended, the spent fireworks were discarded into a trash can on the home’s screened-in rear deck.
SEE ALSO | Maryland fire officials demonstrate dangers of illegal fireworks ahead of Fourth of July
Deputy State Fire Marshals are investigating whether the discarded fireworks retained enough heat to ignite combustible materials inside the trash can, resulting in the fire.
A July 6, 2026, photo of a fatal house fire in St. Mary’s County, Maryland, along Thornbury Drive. (Raul Candia/7News)
“Our hearts are with this family as they face an unimaginable loss,” said Acting State Fire Marshal Jason Mowbray. “As we continue our investigation, we want everyone to remember that fireworks don’t stop posing a risk when the show is over. Taking a few extra minutes to soak and properly dispose of used fireworks and sparklers can help prevent a tragedy like this.”
The Office of the State Fire Marshal was assisted at the scene by the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office. The investigation remains ongoing.
REMINDER: Officials are reminding residents that fireworks can stay hot long after they appear to be out and can still ignite nearby materials. They recommend soaking used fireworks in water, placing them in a metal or other noncombustible container outdoors, and letting them cool completely before throwing them away.
Local Story
