Germantown Rowhome Inferno: One Dead, Another Missing as Firefighters Battle Intense Blaze
March 27, 2025
Authorities have advised the public to avoid the area as the situation remains under investigation and updates are expected to follow.
Philadelphia Fire Department's Acting Executive Chief Daniel McCarty noted that the fire's intensity caused upper floors to collapse, posing significant risks to firefighters.
Mark McKie and his girlfriend, Maria Dickens, were reported to be inside the home when the fire broke out, and their bodies have not yet been identified.
Family members are mourning the loss of their loved ones, describing McKie as a 'normal person just life and light,' while fire marshals investigate the cause of the fire.
Investigators are currently assessing the structural integrity of the remaining walls before conducting a thorough search for the missing couple.
The aftermath of the fire has left families in the vicinity without power, and the fire marshal's office will remain on-site due to extensive damage.
Community members, including neighbors, are organizing donations to support those affected by the fire, highlighting the neighborhood's solidarity.
Family members of the couple stood vigil outside the burned home, expressing their grief and disbelief over this tragic incident.
The intense blaze produced significant plumes of white smoke visible from miles away, particularly affecting the East Germantown neighborhood.
A devastating fire engulfed a rowhome on the 500 block of Brintin Street in Germantown on the evening of March 27, 2025, prompting a swift 2-alarm response from over 110 firefighters.
Tragically, one victim has been confirmed deceased, while search efforts continue for a second person who remains unaccounted for.
Fire crews battled the flames for more than three hours, finally declaring the fire under control at 8:12 p.m.
Summary based on 9 sources
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Sources

CBS Philadelphia • Mar 23, 2025
Fire in Philadelphia's Grays Ferry neighborhood leaves 1 injured, officials say
CBS Philadelphia • Mar 27, 2025
Fire burning in Philadelphia's East Germantown neighborhood
The Philadelphia Inquirer • Mar 28, 2025
Two people still unaccounted for in East Germantown twin home fire
6abc Philadelphia • Mar 28, 2025
Couple still missing after fire ravages 2 homes in Philadelphia's Germantown section