On December 9th, 2018, emergency officials responded to a call regarding a fire occurring in a commercial building in La Plata, Maryland.

The fire at South Winds Motel was first noticed by a neighbor of the property, who proceeded to notify proper authorities. Approximately 60 personnel from the La Plata Volunteer Fire Department, as well as surrounding fire departments, responded to the one alarm fire, and fast action helped place the fire under control within seven minutes. There was one victim of the fire—a law enforcement officer attempted to rescue an occupant of the motel but was unsuccessful due to excessive smoke and heat.

Deputy State Fire Marshals are currently conducting an origin and cause investigation of the incident. So far, no smoke alarms were located during the undergoing investigation, and the damage caused to the building totals approximately $20,000 to both the structure and contents of the establishment.

The victim of the property fire was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore for an autopsy, and The Charles County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation’s Division is aiding in the investigation.

The fire loss attorneys at Azrael, Franz, Schwab & Lipowitz offer their sincerest condolences to the family and friends of victim of the property fire that took place on the night of December 9th. Losing a loved one to a property fire is a devastating tragedy, and the families of the victim of the South Winds Motel fire deserve legal representation as they cope during this difficult time. The burn injury and fire loss attorneys at Azrael, Franz, Schwab & Lipowitz have decades of experience providing sound legal counsel to those whose loved ones have been affected by property fires. If you or your loved one was affected by the fire that occurred in La Plata, Maryland, contact our law office today.