The FCC is investigating the possibility that a Verizon service blackout prevented subscribers from connecting 911 calls and reaching the local fire department. The inability to complete the calls may have resulted in the destruction of Maryland woman's house.

The fire occurred during a Jan. 26 snowstorm in Silver Spring, Maryland, Fox News DC reports. With power and landline service out, area residents attempted to reach 911 on their cell phones. Their efforts failed, and the home burned for more than thirty minutes before emergency services could be reached.

Many residents of Maryland's Montgomery and Price George's counties experienced similar disruptions of service, and the FCC is attempting to figure out the cause.

Area offices and police contacted Verizon for an explanation, but the company has yet to release any details on what may have happened with its service.

Verizon Communications Inc. FCC Regulatory Agency | SEC Broadband