One Person, Pets Reportedly Perish in Ellicott City House Fire

An Ellicott City woman died in a house fire Monday afternoon, according to the Howard County Police Department.

Betty Ann Davis, 70, was killed, police reported Monday night.

The fire was reported at 4:10 p.m. in the 4500 block of Roundhill Road, according to WBAL.

The plume of smoke coming from the home was visible all the way from Catonsville to Severn, readers posted on the Ellicott City Patch Facebook page.

Dozens worked to control the blaze, and authorities closed several roads as firefighting operations were underway.

Approximately 50 firefighters responded to the incident, according to the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services, which said the fire was placed under control before 5 p.m.

On Monday afternoon, the department advised drivers to avoid the area of Roundhill Road, Doncaster Drive, Hale Haven Drive and Montgomery Road/MD 103, as roadways were blocked.

Ultimately, one person and several pets died in the fire, according to ABC 2 News, which said the Howard County Police Department was investigating the cause.

Photo Credit: Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services