A 62-year-old homeowner has died following a devastating barn fire in Chaptico, Maryland, prompting an active investigation by state fire and law enforcement officials. Authorities confirmed that the fatal blaze occurred Tuesday night in St. Mary’s County and resulted in the total destruction of a large agricultural structure.
According to the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal and the Maryland State Police, the incident was reported at approximately 10 p.m. at a property located along the 36100 block of Roosevelt Boulevard. Multiple fire departments—including crews from Leonardtown and Mechanicsville—responded after neighbors called 911 to report that a barn was engulfed in flames and that an individual was believed to be trapped inside.
When firefighters arrived at the scene, they encountered a 50-by-100-foot barn that was nearly fully involved in fire. Family members present confirmed that the 62-year-old property owner was still inside the structure. Fire crews worked to bring the intense blaze under control before conducting a search of the building. After extinguishing the flames, first responders located the man deceased within the barn.
Preliminary information provided to investigators indicates that the homeowner had entered the barn to jump-start a vehicle shortly before the fire broke out. Family members reported that he contacted a relative requesting a fire extinguisher. However, by the time assistance arrived, the fire had rapidly spread throughout the structure. During an attempt to reach the victim, a family member sustained burns to her hands and was transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.
The victim’s body has been transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore, where officials will conduct an autopsy to confirm his identity and determine the official cause of death.
Fire investigators continue to examine the scene to determine the origin and cause of the Chaptico barn fire. Authorities have not yet announced whether the blaze was accidental or if other factors may have contributed. The investigation remains ongoing as officials work to piece together the events that led to the tragic loss of life in St. Mary’s County.
