Gazebo Fire Spreads To Home Causing $250K In Damage, Loss

WHITEFORD, MD — Investigators suspect improperly discarded smoking material are to blame for sparking a fire that burned a backyard gazebo that then spread to the nearby home.

The fire broke out Monday around 4:23 p.m. at a two-story single family home located in the 4500 block of Slate Ridge Road. According to the Whiteford Volunteer Fire Company, approximately 45 firefighters helped battle the blaze for an hour before gaining control.

Investigators with the Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal reported that the owner smelled smoke and saw it billowing out from the side of the home. Then he discovered the gazebo was on fire. He woke up his brother, called 911 and both fled the home, the state fire marshal's office reported.

The fire quickly spread from the gazebo to the home and burned throughout the first and second floors. The fire is being investigated. The Harford County Disaster Assistance and the Red Cross are helping the brothers.

Investigators estimate total loss of contents and damage at $250,000.