Photo courtesy of M. Ruslander
A joint investigation between the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office continues after a house fire claimed the life of a Mechanicsville woman early Friday morning.
On Friday, February 20, 2026, at approximately 6:40 a.m., firefighters from the Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department and surrounding departments responded to 39580 Walnut Circle for a reported house fire with possible entrapment.
Firefighters arrived within minutes of dispatch to find heavy fire conditions throughout the two-story residence.
As crews attempted to make entry with handlines, they were met with heavy fire and extensive hoarding conditions within the home.
Due to safety concerns, firefighters were forced to conduct exterior suppression operations as portions of the structure began to collapse.
With the assistance of heavy machinery, Deputy State Fire Marshals remained on scene throughout the day and located the sole occupant deceased within the residence around 10:40 a.m.
Due to the extensive damage, the origin and cause of the fire remain under investigation.
The victim has been preliminarily identified as Karen Krenzler, 69. Her body was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore, where positive identification and the cause of death will be determined.
“Severe hoarding conditions create an extremely dangerous environment, allowing fire to spread rapidly while blocking access for both occupants and firefighters,” said Acting State Fire Marshal Jason M. Mowbray. “In situations like this, those conditions can delay rescue efforts and significantly increase the risk of serious injury or loss of life.”
A joint investigation by the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the law enforcement agency with jurisdiction is standard procedure for all fatal fire incidents.
UPDATE @ 10:45 a.m.: Upon completing searches along the first and second floors. Firefighters have located one victim deceased.
Heavy equipment is responding to assist investigators and firefighters as the house is unstable with collapses, unstable flooring and severe hoarding conditions.
Police and Maryland State Fire Marshals on scene with the investigation ongoing.
Further updates and additional information will be provided when it becomes available.
No injuries to First Responders reported.
UPDATE @ 8:22 a.m.: Firefighters continue to operate on the scene of the fire. Crews reporting a partial collapse of the residence along with spongy floors and extreme hoarding conditions while encountering fire throughout the basement, first and second floors of the residence.
The Maryland State Fire Marshal is responding to the scene with the cause under investigation. Firefighters are still searching for one occupant with unknown status if they were in the residence at the time of the fire.
No occupants have been located as of 8:30 a.m., and further updates will be provided when they become available.
No injuries to First Responders reported.
UPDATE @ 7:05 a.m: Firefighters have three handlines in operation – Incident command declaring this is a exterior operation only, due to unsafe housing conditions with crews reporting heavy hoarding conditions and unable to enter the home.
Fire is through the roof/throughout the second floor – Firefighters from Mechanicsville, Hollywood, Waldorf, Hughesville, Bay District and other departments are still responding to the scene- Avoid and expect extended closures at Golden Beach Road / Mason Drive
Working Fire Incident has been dispatched which has alerted additional crews from St. Mary’s, Charles and Prince George’s County.
2/20/2026 @ 6:43 p.m.: On Friday, February 20, 2026, at approximately 6:40 a.m., firefighters from St. Mary’s and Charles County were dispatched to the 39000 block of Walnut Circle in Mechanicsville, for the reported house on fire with possible entrapment.
Dispatchers advised they were receiving multiple 911 calls reporting the house was on fire with unknown occupancy and entrapment.
Crews are on the scene as of 6:47 a.m., with fire showing from the second floor.
Golden Beach Road at Mason Drive in Mechanicsville will have extended delays / complete closures due to a working house fire.
Mason Drive, Vincent Circle and Walnut Circle IS CLOSED = Do NOT RUN OVER HOSE LINES
Firefighters from St. Mary’s, Calvert and Charles County are responding to Walnut Circle for the multiple 911 callers reporting a house on fire.
Avoid the area and expect extended delays for firefighting operations.
Photo courtesy of M. Ruslander
