Bel Air Apartment, Consignment Shop Damaged In Late-Night Fire

BEL AIR, MD — A Bel Air apartment and consignment shop were damaged Friday when a fire broke out shortly after midnight.

According to the Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office, the fire started in an apartment above Olivia's Shop at 721 Conowingo Rd. in Bel Air. Crews responded to the home after a woman who lived in the apartment and her son discovered the fire in a bedroom.

Firefighters brought the blaze under control in 10 minutes, officials said. The bulk of the fire was contained to the bedroom and adjacent rooms.

Officials said the woman, her mother and her two children were able to escape the blaze unharmed.

According to the fire marshal's office, the fire was caused by a space heater coming into contact with ordinary combustibles. The apartment sustained extensive heat, smoke, soot and water damage, while the first floor sustained mainly water damage.

Harford County Disaster Assistance responded to the scene; however, the family is being assisted by friends and family.

Olivia's Shop is temporarily closed following the blaze, officials said. A GoFundMe page was also established to help reopen the store.