Disposed ashes cause house fire in Hanover, leaving woman hospitalized

HANOVER, Md. — The improper disposal of ashes caused a house fire in Hanover that left a 54-year-old woman hospitalized.

It happened just before 8:30 am Monday in the 1500 block of Beaver Dam Court.

Neighbors called 911 after noticing the garage of the home on fire.

When crews arrived, a car in the driveway was in flames with fire extending into the attic of the home.

A woman inside made it out and was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening burns.

It took about an hour for 42 firefighters to contain the blaze.

The fire caused an estimated $300,000 in damage, resulting in three occupants to be displaced.

Investigators believe the fire was accidental and caused by the improper disposal of fireplace ashes into a cardboard box.

The National Fire Protection Association recommends the following to properly dispose of ashes or coals:

• If possible, allow ashes and coals to cool in the area where you had the fire for several days. These devices are designed to contain their heat safely.
• When it is time to dispose of the ashes, transfer them to a metal container and wet them down.
• Keep the metal container outside your home and away from any combustibles until the refuse is hauled away.
• DO NOT place any other combustibles in the metal container.
• DO NOT use a combustible container.