Basement Fire in Maryland Home Displaces Family, One Hospitalized

A fire broke out late Saturday night in a two-story single-family home on Hebron Terrace in Abingdon, Harford County, causing an estimated $50,000 in damages and sending a 59-year-old woman to the hospital for smoke inhalation. The Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office reported that the woman, who is expected to recover fully, was transported to Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center. The blaze, which started in the basement bedroom, was deemed accidental and attributed to an electrical failure.

The incident began when the woman noticed a tripped breaker and reset it. After a while, she detected smoke and found a fire behind a couch in the basement. She quickly alerted the other occupants, allowing everyone, including two small children aged two and three, to evacuate safely. The Abingdon Fire Company responded to the scene, and 35 firefighters brought the fire under control within 10 minutes, containing the blaze to the basement.

While the fire did not spread beyond the basement, moderate to extensive smoke and soot damage rendered the upper floors uninhabitable. The Harford County Disaster Assistance team is currently helping the displaced family. Fire officials praised the quick response of the fire department, which helped prevent further destruction. Smoke alarms were present and activated during the incident, but the home did not have a sprinkler system.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office, part of the Maryland Department of State Police, continues to emphasize fire safety through education, inspection, and investigation efforts. The agency advises residents to maintain functioning smoke alarms and address electrical issues promptly to prevent similar incidents.

Article by multiple RFHC contributors.

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