EDGEWOOD, MD—Crews responded to a house fire in Edgewood on Sunday afternoon.
The fire broke out at just before 4:30 p.m. on August 17 in the 2900-block of Siwanoy Drive.
The Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal reports that the owners were home when they initially smelled smoke. Shortly thereafter, the smoke alarm activated.
When they opened up their interior basement door, heavy smoke billowed out. The occupants then closed the door and dialed 9-1-1. The fire was contained to the basement, causing extensive fire and heat damage.
It took 35 firefighters approximately ten minutes to control the blaze. Three adults have been displaced and are being assisted by Harford County Disaster Assistance.
Deputy State Fire Marshals credit the owners with keeping the doors closed before the fire department arrived. By closing the door, officials say they prevented the fire and smoke from spreading throughout the home.
The fire was caused by a malfunctioning dehumidifier.
Photos via Joppa-Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company
