Man and dog found dead in Charles County fire, officials say

Officials say they are investigating after a man and his dog were found dead in a home that had caught fire in Charles County.

Deputy State Fire Marshals say they were called to 7430 Bensville Road in Waldorf for a one-alarm fire Saturday night in the single story home.

Investigators say it took 20 minutes for the 45 firefighters from the Waldorf Volunteer Fire Department and surrounding fire departments came out to control the flames.

Deputy State Fire Marshals say an adult male and a dog were found dead by fire crews. They say there were three other people who lived at the home and are now displaced but are receiving help from family members.

Fire officials say the man is being taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore for an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

Investigators say they found the fire originated inside the living room of the home, however the exact cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Deputy State Fire Marshals say there were reportedly $220,000.00 in damages to the building with $50,000.00 in damages to property inside the home.

Officials say smoke alarms were found in the house but it has not yet been determined if they went off.

The Charles County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigative Division is assisting investigators from the Office of the State Fire Marshal with the investigation.