An electrical mishap has led to a family being uprooted after a fire broke through their Abingdon home, causing an estimated $50,000 in damages. The blaze, which ignited last Saturday at approximately 11:15 p.m., was reportedly discovered by a resident who, upon noticing a tripped breaker, reset it—only to detect the smell of smoke moments later. A fire took hold behind a basement couch, as detailed by Daily Voice.
In a swift response, the resident rounded up her family, including two young children, ages 2 and 3, ensuring their safe exit before the fire could further its reach. The Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office stated that the Abingdon Fire Company contained the fire to the basement, promptly bringing it under control within 10 minutes of their arrival. Thirty-five firefighters were said to have responded to the emergency at the 3800 block of Hebron Terrace, where they managed to confine the fire to the origin point, Daily Voice reported.
The fire's destruction left the two-story residence uninhabitable, with extensive smoke and soot damage reaching the upper floors despite the fire being located in the basement. A 59-year-old woman suffered from smoke inhalation during the incident and was taken to Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center for treatment. According to information provided by FOX Baltimore, she is expected to recover fully.
The State Fire Marshal's Office has ruled the fire accidental, stemming from an electrical failure. Additionally, while a functioning smoke alarm was present in the home, no fire alarm or sprinkler system was in place. Harford County Disaster Assistance is now assisting the displaced family during this time. For those needing more information or seeking to assist the family, the agency can be approached for details and opportunities to help.
