Bel Air House Fire Sends One To Hospital: Officials

BEL AIR, MD — Officials said a woman was hospitalized Wednesday morning after a house fire in Bel Air. The 83-year-old resident of the home suffered from smoke inhalation, according to the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

Authorities said the fire broke out around 8:17 a.m. and was under control within 30 minutes.

A father and son passing by the home in the 400 block of Burnside Drive noticed smoke coming from the basement and while one knocked on the door, the other called 911, officials reported. The woman was home alone.

Crews found heavy fire conditions when they arrived, according to Rich Gardiner, spokesman for the Harford County Volunteer Fire and EMS Association. He said the blaze was in the basement.

About 30 firefighters from Bel Air and surrounding companies controlled the fire. Abingdon, Joppa-Magnolia and Level crews assisted.

Investigators ruled the blaze accidental, tracing it to a mechanical failure of the sump pump.

While the fire was contained to the basement, the fire marshal said there was extensive soot and water damage throughout the rest of the home. There was an estimated $100,000 in damage, including $50,000 in structural damage and $50,000 worth of items lost.

Officials said the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company took the woman to a local hospital for treatment of minor smoke inhalation.

Photo Credit: Ray Belcher and Mark Ensor, BAVFC.