Man Killed in Fire
Caused by Smoking in Bed
WALDORF ---  2/20/04 A late afternoon blaze in a townhome has claimed the life of a man and injured a woman in Waldorf. Maryland State Police Aviation flew the injured woman, Susie Carter, age 57, to the Washington Hospital Center for injuries that are described as non-life threatening.
The deceased is believed to be her husband, Eugene Leonard Carter, age 64. The 4:51 p.m. fire caused an estimated $60,000 damage to the home located in the 1000 block of Jubilee Way. A team of Deputy State Fire Marshals along with investigators from the Charles County Sheriff’s Office has determined the fire began in a second floor bedroom.
The investigation has further determined that the blaze began while Mr. And Mrs. Carter were in the bed and a smoldering cigarette ignited bedding and the mattress. Mrs. Carter was able to make her way to a sofa on the first floor where arriving firefighters were able to rescue her. Mr. Carter was unable to escape the bedroom. Additionally, the investigation revealed there were smoke alarms inside the home, however it is not known if they operated.
Forty firefighters from Waldorf, LaPlata, Hughesville, Accokeek, Bryans Road, and Brandywine were able to control the fire in fifteen minutes. There were no firefighter injuries.
The deceased will be transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore. A forensic examination will be conducted to establish a positive identification and determine the exact cause of death.
The two story, wood-frame home was constructed prior to 1992, the year all newly constructed townhomes in Maryland required the installation of automatic sprinkler systems.