HARFORD COUNTY, MD—Investigators with the Office of the State Fire Marshal and Aberdeen Police Department continue their investigation into the cause of a house fire in Aberdeen that claimed the lives of two people on Friday morning.

At around 8:15 a.m. on February 21, 2025, the Aberdeen Fire Department, Inc. & Aberdeen Proving Ground Fire & Emergency Services were initially called for a reported house fire in the 100-block of Darlington Avenue. The Aberdeen Police Department arrived first and found a 77-year-old man with injuries standing outside, and said that two family members were still inside. Aberdeen Police Department officers attempted to enter the home but could not due to heavy smoke and flames. Firefighters arrived seconds later and attempted to control the fire. However, high winds swept the fire throughout the home. It took 70 firefighters over an hour to control the fire, and they later located two victims inside.

The 77-year-old man was transported to Bayview Medical Center, and an APD officer was taken to a local hospital for smoke inhalation. While the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will positively identify the victims, investigators believe the deceased is the 73-year-old wife and the 30-year-old son of the injured man.

Investigators did not recover the remains of any working smoke alarms within the home. This double fatality accounts for six in less than 24 hours across Maryland, with two in Anne Arundel County and two more in Allegany County.

A team of Deputy State Fire Marshals and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) fire investigators worked throughout the day to determine the cause and origin of the fire. While both remain under investigation, investigators have no evidence of a criminal act. They will continue to examine all accidental causes.

A joint investigation between the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the local law enforcement agency having jurisdiction is a standard operating procedure for any fire fatality.

Photo via the Office of the State Fire Marshal