Family of 5 Left Homeless By $200K Maryland City Fire

MARYLAND CITY, MD — Five people are without a home following a house fire in Maryland City Monday afternoon, according to Anne Arundel County Fire Department officials. Firefighters were called to the fire in the 3300 block of Wye Mills South about 3 p.m.

The first calls to 9-1-1 said the house was fully engulfed in flames. Thirty-six firefighters from Anne Arundel and Prince George’s counties, along with Fort Meade and BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport, brought the fire in the one-story house under control in about 20 minutes.

Damage is estimated at $200,000, officials said, and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

The Red Cross is assisting two adults and three children who have been displaced. There were no injuries reported, the county fire department said.

As a reminder, the fire department urges residents to follow these fire safety precautions:

Install Smoke Alarms
• Install smoke alarms in every floor of your home, outside every sleeping area and inside every bedroom.
• Test your smoke alarm at least once per month.
• Replace the battery once a year. A good time to change the battery is during the fall time change from Daylight Saving Time.

Develop a Family Escape Plan
• Include the family in your presentation.

• Map out two exits from every room.

• Make sure that windows can be opened quickly.
• Consider chain ladders for exiting a window above the first floor.
• Make sure exits are kept clear, not blocked.
• Designate a safe meeting place in front of your home. Account for everyone first, then call 911.

Practice your Plan
• In a fire, crawl low on the floor with your mouth and nose covered with a cloth or towel until you can exit.
• Stop, Drop and Roll if your clothes catch fire while exiting. Cover your face (nose, eyes and mouth) with your hands to protect your throat and lungs.
• If in a room, go to the door and feel with the back of your hand. If hot, use another exit. If trapped, hang a sheet from the window to indicate the need for a rescue.
• Once out, stay out! Go to your safe meeting spot first, then call 911.
• When the fire department arrives, prepare to report whether all persons and pets are out of the building.

»Photos of Maryland City house fire, courtesy of Anne Arundel County Fire Department