The Columbia community is mourning the tragic loss of Sheila Brookshire, 70, who died on January 21, 2026, after sustaining severe injuries in a townhouse fire in the 10300 block of Nightmist Court.
Firefighters with the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) were dispatched around 2:20 p.m. and found fire in a second-floor bedroom. They were advised that a resident was still inside. Fire crews immediately entered the home and rescued Brookshire, who was transported to a local hospital with serious burn injuries. Despite life-saving efforts, she later succumbed to her injuries.
A second adult occupant, who was able to self-evacuate, was also taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation. The fire was extinguished in roughly 10 minutes, and no firefighters were injured during the response.
The HCDFRS Office of the Fire Marshal continues to investigate the origin and cause of the fire. While the investigation is ongoing, officials believe the blaze was accidental in nature.
As family, friends, and neighbors grieve, Sheila Brookshire is remembered for her life and the impact she had on those around her. Her passing is a profound loss to the community, highlighting the sudden and tragic nature of accidental fires.
