Abingdon, MD – Two senior residents escaped unharmed after neighbors spotted smoke and helped them flee a fast-moving fire that tore through their home on Suitland Place in Abingdon late Saturday afternoon. Deputy State Fire Marshals said the blaze began around 4:15 p.m. in the garage of the two-story house and was determined to be accidental, caused by discarded cigarettes.
Firefighters from the Abingdon Fire Company, Joppa-Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company, and nearby departments responded quickly, containing the fire within 30 minutes and preventing it from spreading to the neighboring property. About 50 firefighters worked at the scene.
No injuries were reported, but the fire caused an estimated $300,000 in structural damage and $200,000 in lost contents. A 2018 Ford Escape parked inside the garage was destroyed. Officials confirmed that smoke alarms activated after the neighbors alerted the occupants.
Investigators ruled out early reports that the vehicle or a battery charger had caused the fire. The displaced homeowners are being assisted by family, friends, and Harford County Disaster Assistance.