WHITE MARSH, MD—A woman died on Sunday in an intense, two-alarm townhouse fire in the White Marsh area.

Crews were dispatched at around 3:45 a.m. to the unit block of Wolf Trap Court(21236) for a report of a dwelling fire involving a middle-of-group townhome. The first-arriving engine found the townhome fully involved with fire.

Shortly after the initial dispatch, crews received a report that a woman was possibly trapped in the home and the assignment was upgraded to a rescue.

The identity of the victim, who suffered severe thermal injuries, is pending by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

Baltimore County fire investigators have confirmed that the blaze began on the deck at the rear of the townhome. The specific cause of the fire is undetermined at this time.

After arrival, firefighters immediately began a search of the burning townhome but were not able to complete it due to how rapidly the structural condition deteriorated, causing collapses and posing a severe safety risk. Firefighters also quickly accounted for residents of the adjacent townhomes.

Commanders called for a second alarm at 3:53 a.m. Due to extensive damage and the missing occupant, a rescue team was dispatched to shore up the interior of the home so investigators could enter and safely do their work.

After the building was stabilized, firefighters and investigators located the victim, deceased, on the first floor in a front room.

Investigators estimated the value of the fire loss at $750,000. Three adjacent townhomes also suffered damage.

Photo via the Baltimore County Fire Department