Maryland house fire leaves 6 dead including 4 kids

Six people including four kids were killed in a house blaze in suburban Maryland early Sunday that was so fierce even firefighters could not get into the home, officials said.

Dramatic photos show the house engulfed in flames and fire crews later surrounding its smoldering ruins.

“Deputies attempted to enter the home but could not due to heavy smoke and flames,” the Office of the State Fire Marshal said in a statement late Sunday.

Two survivors were able to escape the home in Waldorf, Charles County, about 23 miles south of Washington, DC, authorities said.

A ninth person linked to the house was not at home and returned after the fire broke out at around 8:40 a.m., according to the statement.

A firefighter had to be sent to the hospital from the scene, while another first responder was treated there, WTOP reported.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but it is believed to have started on the right side of the house within an enclosed porch, the fire marshal’s office said.

Heavy machinery was pictured removing debris from the scene Sunday afternoon, WTOP reports.

The victims of the blaze have yet to be publicly identified.

“This is an unimaginable loss for the community,” said acting State Fire Marshal Jason M. Mowbray said. “Our hearts go out to the families impacted by this heartbreaking event.

“In times like this, we must come together to support one another and remember the importance of fire safety in our homes.”

A total of 70 emergency personnel was sent to the scene, including from the Charles County Volunteer Fire and Emergency Medical Services, as well as officials from the Deputy State Fire Marshals and Charles County Sheriff’s Office.

It wasn’t clear if the home had working smoke alarms, Fire Marshal Alkire said Sunday, adding that the blaze was a reminder to regularly check your property’s alarms.

He also reminded the public to have fire drills in their homes so everyone knows how to safely escape.