Sykesville fire crews, with assistance from several mutual aid companies, battled a fatal house fire Thursday evening, 11/7, in the 900 block of Raincliffe Road in Sykesville.

The call was received at 9:05PM, with a neighbor reporting the house on fire. A Sykesville police officer arrived on the scene moments later, reporting heavy fire. While enroute, the call was upgraded to a house fire with rescue, meaning there was someone likely inside.

Sykesville Engine 123 was the first to arrive and immediately began search and suppression activities. Once crews were able to enter the house, firefighters discovered the body of a victim on the stairway to the second floor. Crews were unable to advance due to the deterioration of the structural integrity of the house. Once the fire was knocked down, crews were able to make their way to the second floor, where the body of a second victim was discovered. The body of a dog was also found during overhaul operations.

The Maryland State Fire Marshal's office is in charge of the investigation into the cause of the fire. The bodies of the victims were removed to the state medical examiner's office in Baltimore.

Sykesville fire crews would like to thank the multiple mutual aid crews who responded from Carroll, Howard and Baltimore counties.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the victims of this tragic incident.