Leonardtown, MD – A mid-afternoon fire Tuesday, Dec. 20 in St. Mary’s County totally destroyed the home of a World War II veteran and his family is asking the community for help. The blaze on Riverwinds Drive in Leonardtown was sparked by a faulty oil furnace, which the homeowner, David Triantos, had just activated for the first time since last spring. Amazingly, Triantos, who is in his late 80s, managed to escape the flames uninjured. But now his home is gone and, due to recent financial constraints, he had cancelled his homeowners’ insurance.
“The house blew up,” said Adam Muffley, Triantos’ son-in-law. “We’re not even sure how he got out. He loved that house.” In addition to the one-story home, Triantos’ car was also destroyed. The Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office reported the total loss at $200,000.
Triantos and his wife, Marilyn, moved to St. Mary’s County over 20 years ago. Marilyn Triantos passed away suddenly back in September. The couple had been married for 47 years.
Currently, David Triantos is staying with his son in Calvert County. He would like to eventually return to his property.
Adam Muffley and his wife Karen—David Triantos’ daughter—have started a GoFundMe page to aid David in this time of turmoil. To date over $12,500 has been collected and many who haven’t pledged money have donated clothing and other essentials to help.
The link to the page is here.
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com
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Leonardtown, MD – A house fire Tuesday, Dec. 20 in St. Mary’s County has displaced the home’s occupant, state authorities reported. According to the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office, the blaze at a one-story, single-family home on Riverwinds Drive in Leonardtown was discovered and reported around 2:45 p.m.
“The owner of the home turned on the oil furnace for the first time this winter and within second he heard sounds from the furnace, and noticed thick soot on the floor near the base,” the investigating deputy fire marshal reported. “A short time later, flames emitted from the furnace and quickly spread. The occupant was able to escape without injury and is being assisted by family.”
Thirty-two firefighters were dispatched to the one-alarm blaze. Crews brought the fire under control in 45 minutes.
No injuries were reported. Damage is estimated at $200,000.
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com
UPDATE – At approximately 3:35 p.m., the majority of the fire had been extinguished. Emergency Medical Services is continuing to assess injuries if any of homeowner. The Red Cross has arrived on the scene to assist the fire victims.
At approximately 2:51 p.m. today a fire was reported at a residence on Riverwinds Drive in Leonardtown. The fire department is currently on the scene and fire is showing on all sides of the structure
Residents of the home have been able to safely get out.
Please use caution in this area.
