Woman Succumbs to Injuries After Hagerstown House Fire; Teen Remains Hospitalized

WASHINGTON, MD (March 17, 2026) - Officials from Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center reported that Monae Williams-Lee, 50, succumbed to the injuries she had received during a Hagerstown house fire last Friday.

Deputy State Fire Marshals concluded that an unspecified electrical failure was what started a fire that also seriously injured a 17-year-old who was rescued by Hagerstown Professional Fire Fighters Local 1605 firefighters. He remains hospitalized in critical condition. 

On Friday, March 13, 2026, at around 12:50 a.m, the Hagerstown Fire Department, along with surrounding fire departments, responded to 145 S. Prospect Street for a reported dwelling fire. When firefighters arrived, they encountered heavy fire throughout the structure's first-floor apartment.

Investigators later confirmed that a 15-year-old was able to escape the structure without injury after a smoke alarm activated. Williams and the 17-year-old were rescued from the structure by firefighters. Both were transported to Meritus Medical Center for initial treatment and later flown to Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center for additional treatment.

This is the first fire fatality in Washington County in 2026. In 2025, Washington County experienced one fatal fire after a house fire on Chimney Stone Court claimed the life of a Hagerstown man in November.

“Our hearts break for the victim and her loved ones,” said Acting State Fire Marshal Jason M. Mowbray. “In this case, a working smoke alarm alerted the other occupant and gave him the critical seconds needed to escape, while two others were rescued by brave members of the Hagerstown Fire Department. This heartbreaking incident reminds us that while smoke alarms save lives, every second counts in a fire. We urge everyone to make sure smoke alarms are working and to have and practice a home escape plan.”