HARFORD COUNTY — A Harford County fire left four adults displaced and one cat presumed dead, according to the Maryland State Fire Marshal.
Harford County house fire displaces four people
Around 4:20 pm on Sunday, Joppa Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company and The Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company, along with several other fire departments, were battling flames at a home in the 3700 block of Hilltop Drive.
Investigation from the State Fire Marshal revealed the home, along with residents in the area, had lost power because of Saturday's storms.
The homeowners left their backup generator running after they left the house.
"What we had happen here was tremendous storms that rocked the area," Master Deputy State Fire Marshal Oliver Alkire said. "What we had was actually an incident where a generator failed. We're still investigating exactly what the cause is."
Authorities say the mother of the homeowner was in the house and unaware of the fire. A neighbor called the homeowner and 911.
The homeowner then called the mother, telling her to get out of the house. The mother attempted to find the family cat but was unsuccessful as smoke began filling the home. She left as the fire quickly spread throughout the building.
There were no reported injuries. Investigators consider the home and nearly all of the contents a complete loss.
It was a busy weekend for first responders; this fire was the state fire marshal's 11th investigation in 24 hours.
While investigators work out what exactly went wrong here, Master Deputy Alkire says anyone using a home generator should take precautions this week.
"Make sure that generator is operating properly; have it checked periodically. Make sure it is away from your home; we recommend anywhere from 20 to 30 feet. If it is running, turn it off before you refuel it," Master Deputy Alkire said.
The family is being assisted by friends and family; there's a GoFundMe and a Meal Train to support them and help them rebuild.
If you need a smoke alarm or carbon monoxide detector, you can get one from the state; click here to fill out a request form.
