11 Year old Boy Dies in Early Morning Fire in Parsonsburg

Image courtesy MD State Fire Marshal

An 11 year old boy died early this morning in a house fire on Zion Road in Parsonsburg. Firefighters from Parsonsburg Volunteer Fire Department were called just after 4am and found heavy fire in the single family home. Fire Marshal investigators say three adults were able to escape and told firefighters the boy was still inside, but in spite of rescue efforts he was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators say smoke alarms were present and activated – the cause and origin of the fire remain under investigation – however officials believe the fire began in the rear of the home. Damages are estimated at $300,000 and the American Red Cross is assisting the family. Firefighters from Wicomico and Sussex County assisted or provided backup – and were on the scene for nearly 5 hours. A joint investigation between the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Maryland State Police Criminal Enforcement Division remains ongoing, which is standard procedure for all fatal fires.