Smoke Alarm Saves Family Of 5 From Annapolis Fire

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Five Annapolis family members, and their two dogs, escaped a house fire thanks to working smoke alarms, fire officials say. The fire was reported about 12:45 a.m. Sunday in the 3200 block of Magnolia Ridge Road, according to the Anne Arundel County Fire Department.

The alarm awakened the residents, who then smelled smoke in their home. After getting everyone out, including their dog, the homeowner called 911, authorities say.

Fire crews from Anne Arundel County, Annapolis, Naval District Washington - Naval Academy responded to the call. Arriving firefighters called a second alarm and a total of 78 firefighters were on location for several hours to extinguish the fire.

The fire is under investigation by members of the Anne Arundel County Fire and Explosives Investigation Unit.

The two adults and three children of the home have been displaced and are being assisted by the Red Cross. No damage estimate has been released.

According to the NFPA report, "Smoke Alarms in U.S. Home Fires," smoke alarms provide an early warning of a fire, giving people additional escape time. In 2009-2013, smoke alarms sounded in more than half (53%) of the home fires reported to U.S. fire departments.

Photos courtesy of the Anne Arundel County Fire Department