Dehumidifier Blamed For Thursday Fire In Harford County

JARRETTSVILLE, MD —A malfunctioning dehumidifier is being blamed for a dwelling fire in the basement of a Jarrettsville home Monday afternoon, according to the Maryland State Fire Marshal.

The home, located on Norrisville Road, suffered no structural damage, though firefighters said the basement sustained extensive smoke and soot damage. A woman was home at the time of the fire, but was not injured, firefighters said.

According to officials, the one-alarm blaze was put out after about five minutes by members of the Jarrettsville Volunteer Fire Company. There were 25 firefighters at the scene.

Fire officials reported that the homeowner returned home and heard smoke alarms and smelled smoke. She then opened the basement door and encountered heavy black smoke. At that point, she closed the basement door and called 911.

Firefighters received the call at approximately 1:20 p.m. Upon entering the basement, they discovered the remains of the dehumidifier. Officials said the fire was contained to the dehumidifier and the immediate area.

Investigators said that by closing the basement door, the homeowner had prevented further damage to the home. The fire caused an estimated $50,000 in damage to the home, investigators said.