Anne Arundel County Fire Department Media Release March 10, 2022

Update March 12, 2022 12:15 p.m.

Injuries or Deaths: The victim in Wednesday night’s fire is identified as Christopher Blaine Isaksen, a 62-year-old male who lived at the home.

Preliminary Cause: The cause of the fire remains undetermined and is under investigation.

Additional Information: Investigators have determined that there were no working smoke alarms in the home.

Smoke alarms are a vital part of a home fire escape plan. When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast. Working smoke alarms give you an early warning so you can get outside quickly.

Tonight, when you change your clocks, check your home’s smoke alarm as well.

The following is information to help make sure all smoke alarms have working batteries, accounting for the multiple types of smoke alarms on the market and their varying battery requirements:

  • Smoke alarms with non-replaceable 10-year batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away.
  • Smoke alarms with any other type of battery need a new battery at least once a year. If that alarm chirps, warning the battery is low, replace the battery right away.
  • When replacing a battery, follow the manufacturer’s list of batteries on the back of the alarm or manufacturer’s instructions.   



Fatal Dwelling Fire- Severn

Date: Wednesday, March 9, 2022

Time: 10:51 p.m.

Location/Address: 7968 Quarterfield Road, Severn, MD 21144

Type of Incident: Fatal dwelling fire

Description of Structure/Property: Two-story, single-family dwelling

Injuries or Deaths: A male occupant, believed to be in his 60s, was discovered in the home and declared deceased at the scene

Estimated Dollar Loss: Undetermined

Smoke Alarm Status: No working smoke alarms have been located

Assisting Fire Departments: Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) Fire & Rescue Department

Other Assisting agencies: Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner

Number of Alarms: One alarm

Number of Responding Firefighters: 30

Time to Control: 15 minutes

Discovered By: Neighbors and passersby

Area of Origin: Undetermined, under investigation

Preliminary Cause: Undetermined, under investigation; investigators will return to the scene this morning

Additional Information: Firefighters responded to 911 calls reporting a shed fire. First arriving firefighters found a small, two-story, single-family dwelling with fire conditions on both floors. The fire was brought under control in about 15 minutes. While conducting searches of the home, firefighters discovered a male occupant inside. He is estimated to be in his 60s and was declared deceased at the scene. The Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will assist with identification and determine the cause of death. The cause of the fire is under investigation by members of the Anne Arundel County Fire Department Fire and Explosives Investigation Unit. They will return to the scene to continue the investigation this morning.