Fire in Hagerstown Claims Life of a Toddler

The fire killed a 2-year-old girl.

Hagerstown, Md. (DG) – Authorities are investigating a fire that killed a toddler in Washington County.

Firefighters from Washington County were dispatched to a house ​fire Sunday shortly after 1 AM to 15,807 Shinham Road in Hagerstown.

When rescue crews arrived, they found three adults outside the home who said the young girl was still in the basement.

Firefighters rescued the child, and transported her to Meritus Medical Center. The child was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Investigators learned the home is owned by James and Beth Clopein. Their 29-year-old daughter, Dana Clopein, was babysitting the child when the fire started. Dana Clopein and her father tried to put out the fire and rescue the child, but were overcome by heavy smoke.

The victim was taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

Authorities say the fire was contained to the basement, and the it took 15 minutes to bring the flames under control.

 

-Dianah Gibson