Smoke alarm credited with saving 71-year-old woman from early morning house fire in whiteford

WHITEFORD, MD – A 71-year-old Harford County woman escaped a devastating house fire early Tuesday morning after being alerted by her smoke alarm, according to the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office.

Fire crews from the Whiteford Volunteer Fire Company, Delta-Cardiff Volunteer Fire Company Station 57, and neighboring departments were called to the 4100 block of Prospect Road around 3:20 a.m. for reports of a dwelling fire. When firefighters arrived, they found the two-story home engulfed in flames and partially collapsing due to high winds that rapidly intensified the blaze.

Deputy State Fire Marshals said the woman, who lived alone, was awakened by the sound of her smoke alarm and discovered the fire spreading inside her home. Wearing only minimal clothing, she managed to flee the burning structure, walk down a long gravel driveway, and seek help from a nearby neighbor who immediately called 911.

Firefighters battled the fire for several hours, remaining on scene until about 8 a.m. The home was declared a total loss. Investigators believe the fire was accidental, and although the woman was not injured, several pet cats are believed to have perished in the blaze.

The homeowner is being assisted by family members and Harford County Disaster Assistance officials.

Deputy State Fire Marshals say a working smoke alarm likely saved the life of a 71-year-old woman who escaped her burning Whiteford home early Tuesday morning.

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