Annapolis Mansion Fire Turns Sister Into Advocate: Top Stories of 2015

Editor’s Note: Patch is looking back at some of the county’s top stories of 2015.

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Nearly one year ago, a tinder-dry Christmas tree – scheduled to be removed the next day – torched the Annapolis mansion of Don and Sandra Pyle, killing the couple and four of their grandchildren.

As the tragic anniversary approaches, Don Pyle’s sister, Sher Grogg, is sharing the story to educate others about fire safety. She has joined Common Voices, a group of advocates, burn survivors and others who have lost family members in fires.

The group educates people on the importance of home fire sprinklers; her brother’s spacious house didn’t have them.

The 15-foot Christmas tree fueled a January fire that killed Don and Sandra Pyle and four of their grandchildren, who were staying overnight. Investigators said the family was trapped by smoke and flames when an electrical fire spread to the tree in the $4.2 million mansion in the 900 block of Childs Point Road.

The home was owned by Reston IT exec Donald Pyle and his wife, Sandra Pyle; Donald Pyle was chief operating officer at ScienceLogic. The grandchildren killed were Alexis Boone, 8; Kaitlyn Boone, 7; Charlotte Boone, 8; and Wesley Boone, 6. The Boone children are the grandchildren of Sandra Pyle and the step-grandchildren of Don Pyle.

Fire investigators agree the fire started under or near the tree in the house’s great room and spread in less than a minute to the second floor, where all the victims were sleeping. The medical examiner ruled the family members died of smoke inhalation and burns in the accidental blaze.

SEE ALSO:

• Victims in Mansion Fire Died from Smoke, Burns: Report
• UPDATE Relatives: Grandparents, Four Children Dead in Mansion Fire
• Mansion Fire: Two-Month-Old Tree Up in Flames After Plug Melts

Grogg says a sprinkler system could have made a difference in her family’s fire, perhaps even saved lives.

“I know my brother and my sister-in-law and the kids would want me to help save lives so I want to just do everything I can,” Grogg told FOX Baltimore.

»Fire scene photos from the Anne Arundel County Fire Department’s Facebook page; family members photos via screenshot from WBAL TV

Investigation Into Fatal Fire