Firefighter Falls Through Second Floor While Battling Blaze: State Fire Marshal's Office

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — An Aberdeen Proving Ground firefighter fell through the second floor of a building at 20 West Bel Air Avenue while battling a fire that broke out early Wednesday morning.

Approximately 55 firefighters responded to the fire at the two-story multi-use building. The firefighter who fell through the floor was evaluated by emergency medical technicians and returned to duty.

According to the State Fire Marshal's Office, residents of a second floor apartment discovered the fire that ultimately caused $150,000 damage. Officials believe the fire was caused by electrical failure and started in a wall. The building housed a hair-braiding business, a church, a vacant storefront and the apartment.

Four residents living in the apartment have been displaced. While the majority of the fire was contained to the floor and ceiling, the rest of the building sustained extensive smoke, soot and water damage, the state fire marshal's office reported.