Bel Air Townhouse Fire Ruled Accidental

BEL AIR, MD — A house fire over the weekend in Bel Air has been ruled accidental. The fire marshal said ashes discarded outside the basement patio caused the townhouse blaze.

At 10:07 a.m. on Saturday, officials said the owners of the home in the400 block of Amelanchier Court smelled smoke, then saw fire on the back patio.

Due to estimated 30 mph winds, the fire spread to the exterior of the home and toward the roof, according to investigators.

"The fire was contained to the involved home only due to the fire department's quick response and actions," the Office of the State Fire Marshal said in a statement.

Approximately 30 firefighters contained the blaze in half an hour, according to investigators.

Abingdon Fire Company, Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company and Joppa-Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company were among those responding to the middle-of-the-group townhouse fire.

Investigators estimated there was $200,000 in damage — $150,000 in structural damage and $50,000 worth of items inside the home were lost.

According to the fire marshal, nobody was injured, and friends and family are assisting the owners of the home.

Related: Bel Air Townhouse Fire Under Investigation