Fatal Ellicott City Fire Was Accidental, Authorities Say

Fire investigators determined the Ellicott City blaze that claimed the life of a woman and two pets Monday afternoon was accidental, the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services reported.

Related: One Person, Pets Reportedly Perish in Ellicott City House Fire

The house fire in the 4500 block of Doncaster Drive started in the kitchen just after 4 p.m. on Monday, according to a report the department provided Tuesday.

When they arrived, crews found “heavy fire through the roof” that was consuming the residence, according to the report.

“They received information that there may be an occupant still in the residence and entered as soon as fire conditions permitted,” the department reported.

Once inside, crews discovered a woman on the first floor, who was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the report. Police later identified her at 70-year-old Betty Ann Davis. A dog and cat were also killed in the fire, the report said.

A second resident who was not home at the time of the fire was being assisted by the Red Cross, according to WNEW.

Upon examination, fire investigators found no working smoke alarms in the residence, the department reported. The home was built in 1966, according to state property records.

Over the next three days, the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services said its members will canvass the area near the fire to educate citizens about the importance of smoke alarms.

Photo Credit: Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services