Dog Killed In Joppa House Fire

JOPPA, MD — A family dog lost its life after a fire broke out at a two-story single-family brick home in Joppa Tuesday night.

The homeowner had finished eating dinner and went for a walk around the neighborhood. Approximately 20 to 25 minutes later, he was heading back home when he saw smoke billowing up from the eaves shortly before 8 p.m. As soon as he opened the door, he was faced with heavy smoke and intense heat, and had to retreat, according to the Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal.

Upwards of 50 firefighters from the Joppa-Magnolia Volunteer Fire company responded to the call for help. They spent at least 30 minutes battling the blaze.

Investigators have ruled the fire as accidental and reported that it started in the home's kitchen, likely due to the failure of an air fryer or an electrical failure.

The home, which is located in the 600 block of Anchor Drive in Joppa, has been ruled a near total loss. The owner is being helped by family members.

The loss of structure and contents has been estimated at $750,000.