FALLSTON, MD – A working smoke alarm and sprinkler system is credited today for saving the life of an infant and sparing a home from severe damage this morning in Fallston.
According to the Maryland State Fire Marshals Service, the Fallston Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Co., and mutual-aid departments were dispatched at 10:15 a.m. for a reported dwelling in the 2000 block of Arden Drive after the owner, who was outside at the time, heard a smoke alarm sounding. Upon arrival, the fire department discovered a fire in the kitchen with one activated fire sprinkler.
“Fire investigators concluded the fire started in the kitchen, and the cause was accidental due to an unattended candle. The investigation determined that the activation of only one automatic fire sprinkler prevented the fire from spreading from the kitchen into the remainder of the home. Damage was limited to an estimated $20,000, and no injuries were reported,” the agency said in a statement tonight.
State Fire Marshal Brian S. Geraci stated, “Residential fire sprinklers are proven to save lives, prevent injuries and protect property and valuables. The best home fire safety practice is combining a smoke alarm, an escape plan, and a residential fire sprinkler. Today we saw the effects of this winning combination,”
Maryland requires a residential fire sprinkler in all new one- or two-family homes across the state. Maryland law also prohibits local governments from weakening the sprinkler requirement in their jurisdiction’s building codee.
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