A Maryland family is displaced after a fire ripped through their two-story home in Prince George’s County on Christmas Day.
Firefighters responded to the blaze on the 5800 block of Dale St. in Capitol Heights around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday. Seven adults and two children were displaced, Prince George’s County Fire Department said.
Jorge Reyes, one of the residents, said he and his family were enjoying the holiday when the blaze erupted.
“There was a bang and I hear my parents, the kids. They're running upstairs,” Reyes said. “Getting out, evacuating the house."
“I see the fire. I say ‘Everybody out! There’s fire!’”, Julio Baez, a family member, said.
The flames spread to both floors of the house, according to the Fire Department.
William Carter, Reyes’ neighbor, said he noticed the fire and smoke coming out of the home so he and his uncle ran out to see if they could help.
“He [Reyes] climbed out the window and we had to catch him", he said.
All nine people inside the house and the family dog made it out safely. The cause of the blaze has not been determined, the Fire Department said.
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A Red Cross volunteer was on the scene assisting the displaced residents. At least four fires have been reported in the area in the last day: two in Prince George’s County, one in Purceville, and one in the District. About 22 people were displaced but no serious injuries were reported.
