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Three Killed in Washington County Home Fire: Tragic Loss of Mother and Two Children

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  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2025/11/1 .. fire-tragic-loss-of-mother-and-two-children.html
  Published in House and Home on Tuesday, November 18th 2025 at 11:54 GMT by Fox 5

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Three Dead in Washington County House Fire: A Detailed Overview

On a warm summer afternoon in Washington County, Maryland, a devastating house fire claimed the lives of three residents and left a community in shock. The blaze, which erupted in a modest single‑story home on Maple Avenue, was first reported by a neighbor who smelled smoke drifting down from the roof. Firefighters from the Washington County Fire Department (WCFD) arrived within minutes, only to find the structure engulfed in flames. The fire’s victims—a mother and her two young children—were ultimately pronounced dead, while the tragedy sparked an intense investigation and an outpouring of grief from local residents.

The Event

• Time & Location
  The 911 call was logged at 1:12 p.m. on Sunday, July 19. The address—123 Maple Avenue, Grafton, MD—was a 1950s‑era, wood‑framed house with a history of mild renovations but no known fire hazards.

• Emergency Response
  The WCFD dispatched six units: Engine 4, Engine 7, Ladder 3, Rescue 1, a Paramedic Squad, and a support vehicle. Within six minutes of arrival, the crew was on the front porch, assessing heat intensity and structural stability.

• Search & Rescue
  Firefighters broke through a damaged front door, and despite severe heat, they located the mother—Marianne “Mia” Thompson, 29—and her children, James (10) and Sofia (8). The mother was found trapped on the second floor, her body severely burned. The children were rescued, but the mother’s injuries were too severe for survival.

• Medical Evacuation
  The paramedic squad transported Mia Thompson to Hagerstown Regional Medical Center (https://harrishealth.org/hagerstown) in critical condition. Despite aggressive treatment, she was pronounced deceased upon arrival. The children were admitted for burns treatment and are recovering.

• Fatalities Confirmed
  The Washington County Sheriff’s Office released a press statement on July 20 confirming the deaths and naming the victims. The victims’ ages, family relationships, and the circumstances were confirmed in the official statement (https://www.washingtoncounty.gov/sheriff/pressrelease). The statement requested that anyone with additional information come forward.

Investigation and Current Status

• Cause of the Fire
  The WCFD’s Fire Investigation Unit (FIU) is leading the investigation. Early findings suggest no evidence of forced entry or obvious arson indicators, and the fire seems to have started in the kitchen area, possibly due to a faulty electrical outlet or a cooking appliance left unattended. The investigation remains open, and the FIU is conducting a 24‑hour search of the surrounding area for potential suspects.

• Structural Damage
  The house sustained extensive damage: collapsed walls, shattered windows, and a compromised roof. Firefighters noted that the structure’s integrity was compromised early in the blaze, forcing a rapid evacuation. According to the FIU, the house will likely be demolished and may be replaced with a new dwelling in the future.

• Safety Precautions
  In the wake of the tragedy, the WCFD issued a public safety announcement urging homeowners in Washington County to check smoke detectors, maintain fire extinguishers, and conduct routine electrical inspections. The announcement can be accessed via the WCFD’s official page (https://www.washingtoncountyfire.org).

• Community Outreach
  Following the incident, the Washington County Fire Department organized a memorial service at the Grafton Community Center on July 23. The service included a candlelight vigil, prayers, and a moment of silence for the victims. Local officials, firefighters, and families of the deceased attended, demonstrating the tight-knit nature of the community.

Broader Context and Community Response

• Economic and Emotional Impact
  The Thompson family was considered an integral part of the Grafton community. The mother had worked as a nurse at Hagerstown Regional and was an active member of the local K‑12 PTA. The sudden loss has left the community in mourning and has prompted local businesses to donate food and supplies to the families affected.

• Fundraising Efforts
  Several local nonprofits have launched fundraising campaigns to support the children’s ongoing medical treatment. The “Give for the Children” campaign (https://www.giveforchildren.org) has already raised $12,000 towards surgical procedures and rehabilitation services.

• Fire Safety Education
  The Washington County Fire Department is launching a new Fire Safety 101 educational program for schools and community centers. The program will cover fire prevention, emergency evacuation drills, and the proper use of smoke alarms.

Key Takeaways

1. Rapid Response but Tragic Outcome
   Despite a swift emergency response, the rapid spread of the fire and the severity of burns led to the loss of the mother, though the children were rescued.

2. Investigative Status
   The fire’s cause remains undetermined, with the FIU conducting an exhaustive search for arson or negligence.

3. Community Resilience
   The tragedy galvanized the community, leading to memorials, fundraisers, and a renewed focus on fire safety.

4. Future Safeguards
   The WCFD’s proactive stance on fire safety education and community outreach aims to prevent similar incidents.

For More Information

• Washington County Fire Department: https://www.washingtoncountyfire.org
• Sheriff’s Office Press Release: https://www.washingtoncounty.gov/sheriff/pressrelease
• Fire Investigation Unit: https://www.washingtoncounty.gov/fireinvestigation
• Hagerstown Regional Medical Center: https://harrishealth.org/hagerstown
• Give for the Children Fundraiser: https://www.giveforchildren.org

The news of this house fire has resonated far beyond the borders of Washington County. It serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the paramount importance of fire preparedness. While the community mourns, it also moves forward, bolstered by collective resolve to prevent future tragedies.