Electrical Fire Causes $200,000 in Damages

An electrical fire caused more than $200,000 in damages to a Sykesville home early Tuesday, and the way it started helped save the lives of the three people inside, said Bill Rehkopf, public information officer for the .

The incident was reported at a home in the 7600 block of Maple Ave. at 2:04 a.m., he said. The fire was through the roof when responders arrived, and units from Sykesville, Gamber, Winfield and Howard County controlled it by 2:33 a.m., he said.

Two adults and an adolescent girl escaped from the home safely after an exterior electrical connection caught fire and traveled through the gutter and into the home's attic, Rehkopf said.

The fire was contained in the attic long enough for the home's occupants to get out, he said.

“The good news about it being in the attic is that it made a big difference in allowing those people to get out safely,” he said.

The incident marked the first time the department used its newest fire truck, Engine 123, which until March 2012, Rehkopf said.

For the fire department's report, click here.