Christmas Fire In Bel Air Causes $2500 In Damage: Officials

BEL AIR, MD — Fire at a Bel Air home on Christmas morning was caused by a chimney ember, according to the Office of the State Fire Marshal. Nobody was injured in the blaze.

A family with three children was celebrating Christmas when those inside smelled smoke around 9:35 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 25, the fire marshal said.

They discovered a small fire at the front of their home in the 1000 block of Amberly Court and tried to use a fire extinguisher on it.

Approximately 25 firefighters responded to the home and brought the situation under control within five minutes, according to investigators.

The fire was traced to a front dormer window, according to the fire marshal, who said that an ember from the chimney sparked the blaze; this differed from the responding fire company's analysis that it was started by Christmas lights.

While there was $2,500 in structural damage to the residence, the fire marshal said the family was able to remain in the home.

INITIAL REPORT: Christmas lights sparked a small fire in Bel Air on Christmas morning, according to the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company. Nobody was injured.

The fire was outside the home in the 1000 block of Amberly Court, according to Jenn Chenworth, spokeswoman for the Harford County Volunteer Fire and EMS Association.

Firefighters were dispatched to the home at 9:35 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 25, she said.

Crews from Bel Air, Abingdon and Fallston responded and ensured the fire was out, according to the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company, which reported there was minor damage as a result.

Pictured, firefighters on Amberly Court, where there was a fire on Christmas. Photo Credit: John Gallagher, BAVFC.