4 Townhomes Burned, 7 Residents Displaced, Firefighter Hurt In Annapolis Blaze: Officials

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Officials announced that four Annapolis townhomes burned Wednesday, displacing five adults and two children. Authorities said the flames also hospitalized a firefighter, caused $445,000 in damage and killed a dog. The cause is still undetermined.

A press release said the homeowner, who was at work, saw the fire on her phone when her surveillance camera application notified her of motion detected out back. She called her brother, who is also a neighbor. He tried to save the dog, but the blaze was too large. Neighbors dialed 911.

Crews said they responded to the 1600 block of Elkwood Court around 1:33 a.m. and found the home engulfed in flames, most of which came from the rear. First responders called for backup to slow the spread of the fire.

Officials said the blaze still caused a total loss of three homes and a partial loss of a fourth. The American Red Cross Southern Maryland Chapter will help the displaced residents with housing.

Authorities don't know if there were functioning smoke detectors in the two-story properties with basements.

A team of 58 controlled the flames in 50 minutes, the release said. The Anne Arundel County Fire Department thanked these stations for supporting its response:

• Annapolis Fire Department
• Naval Support Activity Annapolis Fire Department

The injured firefighter is from the Naval Support Activity, officials said. Medics took the crewmember to an unnamed hospital for an unspecified injury and observation.

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