Maryland investigators are reviewing whether used fireworks stayed hot enough to ignite a deck trash can.
HOLLYWOOD, Md. — Maryland fire investigators are examining whether discarded sparkler fireworks sparked a Sunday night house fire in St. Mary’s County that killed a father who went back inside looking for his child.
The fire broke out about 9:40 p.m. at a two-story home in the 22800 block of Thornbury Drive. Officials said crews arrived to heavy fire throughout the house after a report that a child might be trapped inside.
The family had used ground-based sparklers earlier in the evening, investigators said. Afterward, the spent fireworks were placed in a trash can on a screened-in rear deck. Deputy state fire marshals are working to determine whether the fireworks retained enough heat to ignite combustible material inside the can.
The fire quickly spread through the home, officials said. The father re-entered the house after the family escaped because he could not locate his 10-year-old child. Firefighters later found him dead on the second floor. The child was later confirmed safe.
Acting State Fire Marshal Jason Mowbray said fireworks can remain dangerous after use. “As we continue our investigation, we want everyone to remember that fireworks don’t stop posing a risk when the show is over,” Mowbray said.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will make the official identification and determine the father’s cause and manner of death. The State Fire Marshal’s Office said its investigation remains ongoing, with help from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office.
Officials had not announced charges or a final cause of the fire as of Monday. Investigators were still reviewing the deck area, the trash can and the spent fireworks as they worked to confirm the ignition point.
Author note: Last updated July 6, 2026.