Townhouse Fire In Columbia Displaces Two: Officials

COLUMBIA, MD — Two Columbia residents were displaced by a townhouse fire in their home Sunday morning, according to Howard County fire and rescue officials. The blaze broke out while they were asleep, and smoke alarms alerted them so they could escape, authorities reported.

Just before 7 a.m., officials said they were called to the townhouse in the 10300 block of College Square for a report of a fire; and when they arrived, they found smoke showing from the front of the home.

Firefighters discovered a small fire inside the residence and extinguished it, according to the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services.

There was an estimated $50,000 in damage to the townhouse, and officials said the Red Cross is assisting two people who were displaced.

The fire marshal is investigating the cause and origin of the blaze.

There are several lessons that other residents could benefit from, Howard County fire officials said Sunday, which is also the first day of national Fire Prevention Week:

Sleep with your doors closed. In the event of a fire, it prevents the spread. "Such a small action could be the difference between life and death," officials said.

Check your smoke detector. The smoke alarm awakened the sleeping household in Columbia.

Have an evacuation plan. Residents evacuated safely upon hearing the alarm.

Photos of the Oct. 7 fire courtesy of the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services.