Air Fryer Fire Forces Harford County Family From Their Home, Caused $75,000 in Damage

A kitchen fire sparked by a malfunctioning air fryer displaced a Harford County family of five Tuesday afternoon, according to the Maryland State Fire Marshal. While no injuries were reported, the fire caused an estimated $75,000 in damage and temporarily left the family without a home.

The incident occurred shortly after noon at a townhouse on Burlington Court in Edgewood. Three children, aged 4, 10, and 14, were home alone at the time and using the air fryer to cook French fries when the oldest child noticed smoke. She quickly evacuated her siblings, alerted a neighbor, and contacted emergency services. Officials credited her with helping prevent a more serious outcome.

Fire crews from Joppa-Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company, Abingdon, and Aberdeen Proving Ground responded to the single-alarm blaze, bringing it under control within 15 minutes. The fire was largely confined to the kitchen, though heat, smoke, and soot caused damage throughout the two-story townhouse. Twenty-five firefighters were involved in the response.

The Harford County Sheriff’s Office arrived on the scene first and took action to close the front door, which fire investigators say helped limit additional damage. The home’s smoke alarms functioned properly and alerted the occupants. The fire department confirmed there were no fire sprinklers installed.

The family is receiving assistance from Harford County Disaster Assistance services. Residents are reminded by fire officials to “Get Out, Stay Out, and call 911” in any fire emergency. The Office of the State Fire Marshal continues to investigate the exact cause of the appliance failure.

Article by multiple contributors, based upon information from the Maryland State Fire Marshal.

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