4 People Displaced, Cat Believed Dead After Joppa House Fire

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — Four people were displaced over the weekend after a fire broke out inside a two-story home in the Joppa community.

A release issued by the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal states the incident was reported Sunday shortly before 4:30 p.m. at 3712 Hilltop Drive.

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In addition to the four displaced persons, one cat was believed to have died as a result of the fire.

Preliminary findings prompted officials to list the incident as an accidental fire that originated from the exterior sun porch. A backup generator, according to authorities, was left running at the home after weekend storms caused power outages in the area.

Investigators said it took 75 firefighters about two hours to control the blaze, adding that the fire amounted to about $500,000 in estimated damages.

At the time, the only person inside the residence was the homeowner's mother, who had been unaware of the fire until a neighbor called 911 and the homeowner.

"The mother attempted to locate the cat; however, the smoke began to fill the house, and she had to leave," reads a release.

Officials described the home and its contents as "a complete loss." The family is receiving assistance from friends and relatives.

An investigation remains ongoing.