Whiteford Road House Fire Caused $175K In Damage: Fire Marshal

STREET, MD — A home in Harford County was heavily damaged in a fire Friday afternoon, according to the Office of the State Fire Marshal. Harford County Disaster Assistance and the Red Cross were helping the homeowner and his son after their residence sustained smoke, soot and water damage, officials said.

The homeowner and his son were asleep downstairs when they heard the smoke alarm going off at their residence in the 1500 block of Whiteford Road at 12:43 p.m.

After finding fire in the attic, the owner tried to put it out with water; but the flames spread rapidly throughout the attic and bedroom, according to the fire marshal.

Approximately 35 firefighters responded to the Cape Cod-style residence, which has a finished attic, and brought the blaze under control in 30 minutes.

The fire marshal ruled the cause accidental, attributing the fire to a furnace malfunction in the attic.

Crews from Whiteford, Bel Air, Darlington, Fawn Grove (Pennsylvania), Level and Rising Sun were among those at the scene. They contained the fire to the attic/bedroom, but throughout the home there was smoke, soot and water damage, according to officials.

There was $125,000 in structural damage, while $50,000 worth of items inside were also lost.

Due to the damage, the homeowner and his son were aided by the Red Cross and Harford County Disaster Assistance.

Photo Credit: Office of the State Fire Marshal.