Vape Device Starts House Fire In Severn, Causes $30K In Damage

SEVERN, MD — A vape device started a house fire in Severn Tuesday morning, fire officials say. The fire caused $30,000 in damage and hospitalized the homeowner.

The fire happened in the 1800 block of Statesmen Court. When firefighters arrived around 8:30 a.m., they found smoke coming from the home's second-floor bedroom.

The homeowner told firefighters he was sleeping when the fire started. He woke up when he felt heat and fire coming from the vape device in his hand.

It is not clear whether the fire started after a device malfunction or improper vape use, said Russ Davies, the Anne Arundel County Fire Department's spokesman. Investigators said the fire was accidental, however.

The homeowner suffered a minor burn on his hand, according to a press release. Medics took him to the University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center for treatment.

The fire displaced the homeowner. The Red Cross is helping him find housing.

It took 28 firefighters 10 minutes to control the fire. Fort Meade Fire and Emergency Services assisted the Anne Arundel County Fire Department's response.

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