Possible Victim Of Maryland Brush Fire Identified By Investigators: Authorities

The Office of the State Fire Marshal is cautioning that a statewide burn ban is in effect after a 94-year-old man was killed in a brush fire they believe started when he was burning trash.

Fire truck
Photo Credit: *Canva/Joe_Potato*

Zak Failla

11/14/2024 12:01 p.m.

Waldorf resident Donald Halter has been identified by investigators as the person believed to have been killed when a blaze broke out near his home and rapidly spread.

First responders from the Charles County and Prince George's County fire departments were called shortly before 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 13 to a reported brush fire that spread to a vacant mobile home on the property.

While extinguishing the fire, they found a man dead in the debris, officials said.

While the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will positively identify the victim, Deputy State Fire Marshals believe it to be the 94-year-old homeowner, Donald L. Halter, though the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has been enlisted to confirm his ID.

Neighbors told investigators that Halter burns trash and brush regularly and saw him on his tractor earlier in the day, they added.

"Marylanders are reminded that a burn ban is still in effect. Open-air burning is when any material is burned in the open or a receptacle other than a furnace, incinerator, or other equipment connected to a stack or chimney," officials cautioned.

"It also includes other fires, such as campfires."

Acting State Fire Marshal Jason Mowbray reiterated that the persistent dry conditions in the region combined with unseasonably warm weather led to the initial issuance of the burn ban.

"My heart breaks for the family of Mr. Halter," he said in a statement. "This is a horrific situation that demonstrates the hot weather and dry conditions are not exaggerated, and they affect every one of us.

"We continuously stress the importance of fire safety within the home; however, Marylanders must also be mindful of the extreme dangers of burning outdoors," he continued. "Doing any activity involving fire right now can lead to tragedy for you, your loved ones, your neighbors, and your community."

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