Owner Killed In House Explosion, Fire That Caused $2M Damage

CHESTERTOWN, MD — A Chestertown man was killed Saturday when an explosion destroyed his house and sparked a fire that caused $2 million in damage, according to the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

The homeowner and victim, Charles William Heaps, 68, was trapped in the basement, authorities said.

Firefighters from the Chestertown Volunteer Fire Company and surrounding departments responded to 6904 Pentridge Court in Chestertown just before 6 p.m. The 5,000-square-foot residence was fully engulfed in flames and responders were told that Heaps was still inside the hoe, while five other family members had escaped safely.

Due to the extensive structural damage and collapse, firefighters had to fight the fire from outside the house. Excavators were called to remove debris.

Deputy state fire marshals worked throughout the night to locate Heaps beneath multiple layers of debris.

The surviving residents — identified as Heaps' wife, children, and grandchildren — were in a separate part of the home at the time of the explosion, which allowed them to survive. But, a family pet died in the fire, the fire marshal's office said.

The family told investigators the residence exploded before it was engulfed in flames. Based on their statements and scene examination, investigators believe the victim was operating near a wood stove at the time of the incident, according to a news release.

While the exact cause remains under investigation, the explosion and fire are believed to have been triggered by an unspecified ignition source, including propane vapors and an electrical event, the fire marshal's office said. The home is considered a total loss.

"This is a tragic incident that underscores how quickly conditions inside a home can change when flammable gases or vapors are present," said Acting State Fire Marshal Jason M. Mowbray in a statement. "We urge residents to ensure heating equipment is properly maintained and to remain alert to any unusual odors or conditions inside their homes."