Local News
6 Dead, Including 4 Children, in Two-Alarm House Fire in Charles County

CHARLES COUNTY, Md. — At least six people, including four children, were killed Sunday morning in a two-alarm house fire in the Constitution Hills neighborhood of Charles County, according to the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office.
The blaze was reported at approximately 8:40 a.m. in the 3000 block of Declaration Court North. The Waldorf Volunteer Fire Department, along with multiple surrounding fire companies, responded to the scene following reports of a dwelling fire with possible entrapment.
Upon arrival, fire crews found heavy fire conditions, prompting the incident to be upgraded to a two-alarm response.
Authorities confirmed that all six victims lived in the residence, along with three other individuals.
One occupant managed to escape, while two others were not home when the fire broke out.
Recovery operations remain ongoing as investigators continue to search the debris for additional victims.
Officials said there is currently no indication of criminal activity related to the fire, though the cause remains under active investigation.
The Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office is working closely with the Charles County Sheriff’s Office, as is standard procedure for fatal fires.
Heavy machinery is being brought in to assist with debris removal, and the Public Information Officer (PIO) is on scene to provide updates.
The investigation and recovery efforts are expected to continue into the late evening.
“This is a devastating loss for the community,” a spokesperson for the Fire Marshal’s Office said. “Our priority remains determining the cause of the fire and supporting the families affected by this tragedy.”
Local News
55-year-old Willie Martin killed in crash with deer on Alabama road

Talladega County, Ala. – Authorities have confirmed that a 55-year-old Sylacauga man was killed in an early morning ATV crash after colliding with a deer in Talladega County.
The incident occurred at approximately 2:00 a.m. on Monday, September 29, 2025, on Oakland Road, about two miles west of Sycamore.
According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Highway Patrol Division, the victim has been identified as Willie F. Martin.
Investigators reported that Martin was operating a 2020 Yamaha YFZ450 ATV when the vehicle struck a deer in the roadway.
Following the impact, the ATV veered off the road and overturned. Martin was ejected from the vehicle and sustained fatal injuries.
He was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Trooper Jaylon James of ALEA confirmed the details of the crash and said that no other vehicles were involved.
The collision remains under investigation by ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division, and no additional information has been released at this time.