CHARLES COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) — Officials in Maryland are investigating after a man’s body was discovered in the debris after a brush fire in Waldorf on Wednesday.
On Nov. 13, just before 4 p.m., Charles and Prince George’s County fire departments responded to a report of a brush fire in the 11500 block of Acton Lane.
When crews arrived at the scene, they found a vacant mobile home on fire. While putting out the flames, crews found a man’s body in the debris, near the home.
The person was taken to the Office of the Medical Examiner to be identified. However, police believe that the remains were of 94-year-old Donald L. Halter, who owns the mobile home.
Neighbors told investigators that Halter burned trash and brush regularly.
They added that they saw him on his tractor earlier in the day.
“My heart breaks for the family of Mr. Halter,” said Acting State Fire Marshal Jason M. Mowbray. “This is a horrific situation that demonstrates the hot weather and dry conditions are not exaggerated and they affect every one of us. We continuously stress the importance of fire safety within the home; however, Marylanders must also be mindful of the extreme dangers of burning outdoors. Doing any activity involving fire right now can lead to tragedy for you, your loved ones, your neighbors, and your community.”
Officials are reminding Marylanders that a burn ban is still in effect and open-air burning is prohibited as of Nov. 14.
This means that any material that is burned in the open or a receptacle other than a furnace, incinerator, or other equipment connected to a stack or chimney is not allowed, including campfires.
The fire and death remain under investigation by the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Charles County Sheriff’s Office.
