Investigators credit smoke alarms for saving 71-year-old woman’s life from house fire
By Greg Ng
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WHITEFORD, Maryland (WBAL) — An early morning fire fueled by strong wind in Harford County displaced a 71-year-old woman.
According to the Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal, the fire was reported around 3:19 a.m. Tuesday in the 4100 block of Prospect Road in Whiteford. Authorities said the homeowner was able to evacuate and reach a neighbor to call 911 for help.
It took about two hours for some 50 firefighters to try to gain control of the fire, but extremely high winds fueled the fast-moving fire, ultimately causing the home to nearly collapse, state investigators said.
State investigators credited functioning smoke alarms for saving the woman’s life. The homeowner’s pet cats are believed to have died in the fire.
The fire caused an estimated $500,000 in damage, state investigators said.
No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Harford County Disaster Assistance is assisting the displaced family.
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