Edgewood House Fire Displaces Four, Causes $20K in Damage: Fire Marshal

EDGEWOOD, MD — Four people are being assisted by family members after a fire in Edgewood left their home smoke and soot-damaged Monday morning, according to the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

A first-floor resident discovered fire under her bed after midnight in the 600 block of Pier Drive in Edgewood, the fire marshal said.

About 20 firefighters, including crews from the Abingdon Fire Company, brought the blaze under control within five minutes.

Investigators attributed the fire to a commonly used household item.

A coiled extension cord connected to a space heater started the blaze, after it was compressed by a box spring and mattress, the fire marshal said.

The incident prompted a safety warning from officials.

"The Office of the State Fire Marshal recommends to never use an extension cord while it is coiled or looped," officials said in a statement, adding:

• Do not cover any part of an extension cord with newspapers, clothing, rugs or other objects.
• Place extension cords out of areas likely to be damaged by heavy furniture and away from foot traffic.

There was $15,000 in damage to the two-story detached home, while $5,000 worth of items inside were also lost, officials reported.

The fire at the home in Harford County was contained to the first floor, which authorities said had moderate smoke and soot damage; as a result, the four people who lived in the house were being helped by family members.

Photo courtesy of the Office of the State Fire Marshal.