JOPPA, MD—A significant fire damaged a single-family dwelling on Friday morning, resulting in substantial losses and the hospitalization of one resident. The incident occurred at 2402 Woodlea Drive in Harford County.
The fire, reported at 11:43 AM, was discovered by a passerby who noticed flames on the exterior side porch of the one-story house. The Joppa-Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company responded promptly, controlling the blaze within 15 minutes with the help of 40 firefighters.
Andrew Bendis, the homeowner, was not present during the incident. However, a 34-year-old female occupant was sleeping in the basement and was alerted to the fire by a neighbor. She managed to escape unharmed with the family cat and was later taken to a hospital for evaluation.
The property suffered estimated losses of $150,000, including $100,000 in structural damage and $50,000 in content loss. The home was equipped with a working smoke alarm that activated, but it did not have a fire sprinkler system. Additionally, two vehicles near the property also sustained significant damage from the heat.
Investigations by the Deputy State Fire Marshals are ongoing, with discarded cigarettes or an electrical failure not ruled out as potential causes. K9 Blondie was utilized at the scene to assist in the investigation. Friends and family are currently aiding the affected occupants.
