2-Alarm Fire Damages Townhouses In Columbia: Officials

COLUMBIA, MD — A two-alarm fire in Columbia Thursday morning drew more than 50 firefighters and paramedics to a neighborhood of townhomes, according to officials. Two houses were damaged by the blaze, which authorities said displaced some of the people who lived there.

Crews were dispatched to the 5500 block of Suffield Court after 6:30 a.m., officials said.

When they encountered heavy fire, the crews that arrived first at the scene upgraded the incident to a second alarm, meaning additional personnel were requested to assist in the response.

A primary search of the home indicated nobody was inside, according to the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services.

Within 30 minutes, the fire was knocked; and by 7:07 a.m., officials said the blaze had been declared under control.

One townhouse was involved in the fire, officials said, while another located along the row of townhomes also had minor damage. The Red Cross was called to help the residents displaced by the blaze.

There were no injuries associated with the fire, authorities reported.

Investigators were still working to determine the cause and origin of the fire, officials said Thursday afternoon.

Images courtesy of HCDFRS.