2-Alarm Whiteford Fire Causes Damage, Death Of Pet: Fire Marshal

WHITEFORD, MD — Officials said a house fire in Whiteford Wednesday evening drew firefighters from two counties. The cause of the fire is under investigation, and one person was taken for medical treatment. Several animals were rescued and one later died, officials said.

At 5:23 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 30, the fire marshal said that a resident discovered the blaze at the home in the 4000 block of Prospect Road, and 50 firefighters responded to the call for help.

The Whiteford Volunteer Fire Company and crews from Harford and York counties converged at the scene, according to Jenn Chenworth, spokeswoman for the Harford County Volunteer Fire and EMS Association.

The fire was placed under control by 6:55 p.m., Chenworth said.

After 7:30 p.m., she reported that Prospect Road remained closed due to the fire activity and icy conditions created due to the water required by the operation. She said the public should avoid the area, where Harford County public works crews were assisting.

One homeowner was taken to a local medical facility for treatment of injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening, she said.

Fire crews and animal control officers from the Harford County Sheriff's Office took multiple animals from the home, according to Chenworth.

One bird succumbed to smoke inhalation, while six were rescued, the fire marshal said. Four cats were believed to have escaped, investigators reported.

As a result of the fire, there was $50,000 in structural damage, officials said, and $25,000 worth of items inside the house were also lost.

Investigators are still working to determine the cause of the blaze, which the "elderly occupants barely escaped," the fire marshal said.

Photos from the Whiteford fire courtesy of the Office of the State Fire Marshal.