Press Release - January 16, 2007

Date:
January 16, 2007

Contact:
Jeffrey McMahon, CFI, CFPS - Fire Marshal
Phone: (410) 632-5666 Ext. 1; Email: jmcmahon@wcfmo.org

Showell Double Fatal Fire Investigation Ruled Accidental

“The Showell double fatal house fire which occurred on Friday morning January 12, 2007 and claimed the lives of two young Worcester County residents has been listed as accidental.

Three year old Joshua DuPont and twelve year old Jasmine Coulbourn died in the 1:53AM fire located at 9719 Peerless Road in Showell, Maryland. Laboratory test results of the liquid fuel used in the portable kerosene heater have been confirmed to be gasoline. In addition the container used to temporarily store the kerosene contained gasoline. That container was a clearly marked blue approved kerosene container. Contributing factors in this tragic fire were the lack of functioning smoke alarms (detectors) within the residence and the time spent by occupants trying to fight the fire.

The Fire Marshal urges all residents to properly identify any fuel source used to heat your home, keep all combustibles at least three feet from all portable heat sources and to make sure smoke alarms are placed on each level of your home, in all sleeping areas and see that the smoke alarms are properly maintained.”

SCENE PHOTOS
(Photos By: Deputy Fire Marshal Robert Korb, Jr., Deputy Sheriff Andy Magee)