UPDATE: A devastating house fire in Taneytown has claimed the life of 84-year-old Jeanie Shifflett and several of her beloved pets. Authorities confirmed the tragedy occurred on February 16, 2024, at approximately 4:15 p.m., on Francis Scott Key Highway.
The Taneytown Volunteer Fire Company responded to a call initially linked to a carbon monoxide issue. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered a fire that had self-extinguished, but it was too late for Shifflett, who was found unresponsive in her first-floor bedroom alongside her dog. Sadly, a cat and several birds were also discovered deceased in the home, highlighting the tragic toll of this incident.
Investigators from the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office are currently piecing together the events that led to this heartbreaking loss. The last known contact with Shifflett was approximately two days before the fire, raising questions about what transpired in the interim. Preliminary findings suggest that accidental causes are being considered, and smoke inhalation is suspected as the primary cause of death, though an official determination will follow an autopsy.
According to reports from WMAR2 News, the fire appears to have originated in the unfinished basement of Shifflett’s home. Extensive soot and smoke damage was evident throughout the first floor, and cold temperatures in the basement indicate that the fire likely started overnight. The home was equipped with smoke alarms, but investigators are still determining whether they were functioning during the incident.
The estimated damage to the property and its contents is around $150,000. The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office is collaborating with the State Fire Marshal’s Office to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.
This incident has left the Taneytown community in mourning, as residents come to terms with the loss of a cherished member who was known for her kindness and love for animals. The community is urged to support one another during this difficult time as officials continue to investigate the details of the fire.
As updates unfold, the investigation remains active. Authorities will provide further information as it becomes available, and residents are encouraged to stay informed about fire safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
