WESTOVER, Md. — A fire broke out on Tuesday afternoon at a two-story, wood-frame home on Crisfield Highway, resulting in significant damage and sending two residents to the hospital for smoke inhalation.

The fire occurred at 8996 Crisfield Highway in Somerset County at approximately 2:40 p.m.

Neither a smoke alarm nor fire sprinklers were present in the home. Two civilians were transported to Tidal Health in Salisbury with non-life-threatening injuries due to smoke inhalation. Both residents were able to escape, with one assisted out of the burning home by a passer-by. Two dogs also escaped unharmed.

Firefighters from the Princess Anne Volunteer Fire Company, along with neighboring fire companies from Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester Counties, responded to the blaze. A total of 40 firefighters battled the fire, which took 1.5 hours to bring under control.

The fire is believed to have originated in the kitchen on the first floor, but the cause remains under investigation by Deputy State Fire Marshals, who continue to work at the scene.

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