Maryland Resident Escapes House Fire Thanks to Working Smoke Alarm

A house fire in Edgewood, Harford County, on September 11, 2025, resulted in significant property damage but no injuries, thanks to the timely activation of a smoke alarm. The blaze, which occurred at approximately 5:58 a.m. at a single-story, single-family dwelling on Kennard Avenue, displaced two adults. These individuals are currently receiving assistance from Harford County Disaster Assistance.

The estimated financial loss from the fire is substantial, with the structure sustaining an estimated $200,000 in damages and the contents an additional $150,000. Investigators determined that the fire originated in the kitchen, and its preliminary cause is attributed to an unspecified failure of a food dehydrator. While the fire was contained primarily to the kitchen area, the entire home experienced extensive damage from heat, smoke, soot, and water. A fire alarm system or sprinklers were not present in the dwelling.

The Office of the State Fire Marshal has highlighted the crucial role of the smoke alarm in this incident, stating that it was instrumental in saving the owner’s life. The owner was asleep when the smoke alarm sounded, alerting her to the fire in the kitchen. She, along with her dog and cats, were able to evacuate safely and contact emergency services. A total of 35 firefighters from the Abingdon Fire Company responded to the single-alarm incident, bringing the fire under control in approximately 20 minutes.

This incident serves as a critical reminder for Maryland residents regarding the importance of fire safety. The Office of the State Fire Marshal strongly advises all individuals to ensure they have working smoke alarms installed on every level of their homes, as well as inside sleeping areas. For those seeking more information on smoke alarm safety or wishing to inquire about obtaining a smoke alarm for their residence, resources are available through the “Get Alarmed Maryland” initiative. Further fire safety information can be obtained by calling 1-800-525-3124 or by visiting the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s website and Facebook page.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Office of the State Fire Marshal

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