Maryland House Fire Underscores Dangers of Improper Ash Disposal

A recent dwelling fire in Abingdon, Maryland, has prompted a reminder from the Office of the State Fire Marshal regarding the critical importance of safely disposing of hot coals and ashes. The incident, which occurred on the evening of October 14, 2025, at a two-story single-family home on Amy Drive, resulted in an estimated $500,000 in damages. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, though two adults were displaced by the fire and are receiving assistance from Harford County Disaster Assistance.

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The blaze, which was controlled within 15 minutes by approximately 40 firefighters from the Abingdon Fire Company, originated on the exterior of the garage. Preliminary findings indicate the fire was accidental, stemming from hot coals that had been discarded from a grill earlier in the day. The homeowner reportedly placed the coals in proximity to a woodpile. While the female owner was home and heard noises, she discovered the fire spreading to the back of her house and attempted to extinguish it with a garden hose before it became unmanageable.

In light of this incident, the Office of the State Fire Marshal is reiterating its safety guidelines. Officials emphasize that all ashes and coals should be treated as hot, even when they appear to have cooled sufficiently. Storing ashes while they are still cooling, particularly within homes, decks, or garages, has been identified as a common cause of recent and devastating fires. To mitigate this risk, the State Fire Marshal advises residents to use a tightly covered metal container for ash disposal. This container should be stored outdoors, at least ten feet away from any home or nearby buildings.

Residents are urged not to discard ashes into combustible containers like paper or plastic bags, cardboard boxes, or plastic trash cans. Furthermore, ash containers should never be placed on decks, porches, or inside garages. Instead, a non-combustible metal container with a lid should be utilized, and water should be poured into the container to ensure the ashes are completely cool before any outdoor storage. This metal container must be kept outside, away from the home’s interior, fireplaces, stoves, and any other combustible materials. Educating all family members on safe ash handling practices is also a key recommendation to ensure widespread awareness and prevention.

The Office of the State Fire Marshal, an agency within the Department of State Police, is dedicated to protecting citizens from fire and explosion hazards. Their efforts encompass education, inspection, investigation, and fire protection engineering. For additional fire safety information, individuals can contact 1-800-525-3124, visit their website at Maryland State Fire Marshal, or engage with their Facebook page.

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

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