WASHINGTON — A charcoal grill is to blame for destroying a Waldorf, Md. home Monday morning, Waldolf Volunteer Fire Chief J.R. Hayden says.
Wind and wood construction likely helped blaze #WTOP pic.twitter.com/PxgrwG2Mof
— Kristi King (@kingWTOP) April 14, 2014
Two adults, six children and Niles, the family dog, managed to get out the house in the 2900 block of Henry Court before the 4:30 a.m. fire gutted it. Two of the children are family friends.
Homeowner Carl Remalia says a smoke alarm and his son alerted him to the fire.
Remalia says he’s “blessed to just be alive and (have) the family safe.”
The fire marshal is investigating.
An online fundraising effort is underway to assist the family in rebuilding. To donate and learn more, visit www.gofundme.com/8cp44w.
WTOP’s Kristi King contributed to this report. Follow @WTOP on Twitter and on WTOP Facebook page.