Abingdon Townhouse Blaze Started In Flowerpot: Fire Marshal

ABINGDON, MD — A deck fire broke out at a townhouse in Abingdon Friday night, causing an estimated $25,000 in damage. The Office of the State Fire Marshal attributed the cause to smoking material in a flowerpot.

The homeowner called 911 after discovering the blaze around 10:35 p.m., the fire marshal reported. It was located on the deck of the end-of-group townhouse in the 100 block of Ferring Court.

Approximately 25 firefighters from Abingdon, Bel Air and Joppa-Magnolia responded and controlled the fire within 20 minutes, according to the fire marshal, who said the blaze was contained to the deck.

There was minor heat damage to the back of the home, officials reported.

The fire marshal mentioned the quick response of firefighters in containing the blaze, which started when smoking material was discarded and placed in a flowerpot.

There was $25,000 in structural damage to the residence, officials reported. Nobody was injured.

The U.S. Fire Administration offers this guidance for disposing of smoking materials:

• Extinguish cigarettes completely. Ensure they are out by putting water on ashes and butts.
• Put cigarettes out in an ashtray or bucket with sand.
• Use ashtrays with a wide base so they do not tip over and start a fire.
• Do not walk away from lit cigarettes and other smoking materials. Make sure they are really out first.

Smoking materials have caused several fires in recent years in the area, including last year outside the Red Lobster on Route 1.

• Bel Air Red Lobster Fire Caused By Smoking Materials: Officials
• Cigarettes Light Two Bel Air Fires in Two Days: Officials

Photos courtesy of EMS Chief Susie Tingler, Abingdon Fire Company.