Wood-Burning Stove Suspected In Millersville Fire: Officials

MILLERSVILLE, MD — Millersville residents call 911 to report flames coming from the vents inside their house Wednesday night, and Anne Arundel County Fire officials say their wood-burning stove sparked the blaze. Fire crews were called about 9:40 p.m. to the home in the 100 block of West Pasadena Road.

The residents spotted flames and their ceiling was turning black, while neighbors reported seeing the house's roof on fire, authorities say. Firefighters saw flames coming from the eaves of the single-family home when they arrived, and found fire near a wood-burning stove and the attic. The blaze was extinguished in about 15 minutes.

According to the fire department, the fire was an accident caused by the use of the wood-burning stove. Damage is estimated at $90,000. The Red Cross is helping the two residents who were displaced.

No injuries were reported, but one firefighter was taken to Baltimore Washington Medical Center in good condition with a medical issue.

While the first day of spring is next week, temperatures have been unusually cold this month, requiring the use of home heating. Fire officials urged residents with wood-burning stoves and fireplaces to have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.

Photo courtesy of the fire department