It is with deepest sympathy that The Riverdale Fire Department Inc pass along the tragic ending to the fire that occurred Sunday morning. The two remaining survivors from the house fire have succumbed to their injuries and passed away yesterday.

The Prince George's County Fire Department Fire Investigators have determined that the cause of the fire was an over loaded power strip in the living room. They also have determined that there were no working smoke detectors in the house. 

The Riverdale Fire Department would like to remind people of a few fire safety points coming into the holiday season. 

1) Check your smoke detector every month. A smoke detector should be located on every living floor of the house and should be placed close to the bedrooms. Batteries should be changed twice a year, when you change your clocks change your batteries.

2) Never overload power strips or extension cords. With the holiday season coming and decorations going up, please remember to use only power strips that have a built in fuse and surge protector. And only have your lights on when someone is home.

3) Remember to stay in the kitchen or close by when cooking. Never leave unattended food cooking, even if it is to just run to the corner store quickly. 

4) Always have an escape plan for your house and have a meeting place outside of the house. Everybody that lives in the house should know where the meeting place is and have two ways out of every room. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact the station at 301-927-0356 and ask for an officer. If you need a smoke detector please contact 301-864-SAFE (7233).