Howard County News – Sheila Brookshire Dies in Nightmist Court Fire Incident, Police Confirm Identity

 The Columbia community is grieving Sheila Brookshire, 70, who passed away on January 21, 2026, after receiving serious burns in a townhouse fire in the 10300 block of Nightmist Court.

At around 2:20 p.m., firefighters from the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) were sent to find fire in a second-floor bedroom. They were informed that a resident was yet still within. Fire crews quickly entered the house and rescued Brookshire, who was brought to a nearby hospital with severe burns. Though she received life-saving care, she eventually passed away from her wounds.

Furthermore admitted to the hospital for smoke inhalation was a second adult resident who could self-evacuate. The fire was put out in around ten minutes and no firefighters were hurt during the response.

Still looking into the source and cause of the fire is the Fire Marshal's office of the HCDFRS. Although the inquiry is still in progress, authorities think the fire was accidental in character.

Sheila Brookshire is remembered for her life and influence on those around her as family, friends, and neighbors mourn. Her death is a great loss for the neighborhood, especially given the rapid and terrible nature of unintentional fires.

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