A two-alarm fire destroyed a Fountain Glen townhouse Sunday afternoon and began spreading to adjacent dwellings before being brought under control.
At about 2:12 p.m. Sunday, Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company was dispatched to the 600 block of Gairloch Place off of Redfield Road in the Fountain Glen development for a reported apartment fire.
A request for a second alarm assignment was made when crews arrived and found the dwelling was a fully-involved, middle of the group townhouse with flames spreading to adjacent units.
Crews were at one point evacuated from the dwelling so hoses could be used to knock down a majority of the spreading fire. Minutes later, crews were permitted to reenter the townhouse – making their way through the dwelling and placing the fire under control within 20 minutes of arrival, according to BAVFC.
Approximately 50 firefighters from four Harford County companies (Bel Air, Abingdon, Level and Fallston) worked this incident. There was no one home at the time of the fire and there were no injuries sustained.
One kitten was located and removed alive from the basement of the home. The first and second floors of the affected townhouse were destroyed and the basement suffered smoke and water damage. There was minor damage as the fire extended to adjacent townhomes.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office. The owners at 668 Gairloch Place are being assisted by the Maryland Chapter of the American Red Cross. Anyone with information about this fire is asked to call the State Fire Marshal’s Office in Bel Air at (410) 836-4844.
From the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company:
Please take the time to check your smoke detectors and keep them in operational readiness just like this homeowner did. They were sleeping when the fire broke out and the detectors awakened them. This inexpensive device saved her life and the life of her child. Without an operational smoke detector the outcome would have been more tragic than it already is.
The homeowner is a past member of the BAVFC and the company has started a donation drive for the family. Those interested in making a contribution of clothing (3 year old girl 4T/size 10 shoes, women’s size 9 pant and medium shirt) or toys can drop them off at the BAVFC. For those interested in making a monetary contribution in lieu of clothing or toys, gift cards are accepted. At this time we just ask no checks, cash or large furniture. Thank you for your support.
Photgrapher Matt Spearman, a resident of the community, captured the scene as it unfolded:
Photography by Matt Spearman
This was the first home my husband and I bought in 1993. Lived there 3yrs. Glad no one was injured! Sone scary pics!!
This is the second smoke we have driven by this past week.. first back on Monday on the way to soccer from Jarrettsville to APG. We’ve been stationed here for 3 years now,,, I never remember this many calls before..
Being the next-door neighbors to this house for the past 20 years, I was truly saddened when watching the flames engulf it. I have many fond memories of being in that house with my childhood friends that used to live there.
Hi Asif. Not sure if you remember us as your neighbors, Ethan and Kevin were our sons. How are you and your family?
I hope your house didn’t receive too much damage!
Of course I remember! I think I started my first day of Kindergarden with Ethan! How is he doing now? I still remember the good ole days when my brother and I would play with Ethan/Kevin.. Luckily, our house was safe, just some water damage on the roof and the walls. Let’s stay in touch 🙂
We used to live in this house 10 years ago… I’m pretty sure these owners bought the house from us… My siblings and I used to hang out with Muksit and Basir, not sure if you remember us,but it’s sad to know that this house is gone. :[ only the memories remain now
What incredible photos!
Amazing photography; such a sad thing to happen. Really glad no one was home and kitty was rescued.
great pictures!!!!!
The reporter states nobody was home during the fire. Actually a young mother and her daughter were home. Neither were injured.
we own/lived in the adjoining house to the right-me and my four children JUST moved out and to NC…Our handyman had JUST left the home at 10am after completing a paint and cleaning job…the house fire started 4 hours later. Our house is now without ceilings, all the windows are gone, there is 3 feet of insulation throughout, and the attic is burnt. All of the ceilings and walls are bulging with water…the “for sale” sign was to be put up today….
I am curious as to the safety of the other pets-there were two dogs that used to bark and keep us up;) One was elderly-I didn’t see anything listed about the dogs….
so incredibly horrible-don’t know what I would do if I were still in the house. I am so sorry for the neighbors-there was a 3 year old living there-I am sure she has lost all her special things….my heart goes out to them.
The dog was rescued and is doing well.
thanks for letting me know about the dogs-my kids have been asking. wow, what a blessing that they all got out-I cant believe how bad it was.
bel air volunteer fire dept is taking in donations for the family that lost everything-the little girl is was and has lost all of her clothes and toys. They do need clothing. The Mother wears a shirt size 8, pants 10 and size 8 shoe. The little girl wears a 3 or 4t. The grandmother who also lives with them wears a large in anything. Please help if you can.
There were people in the house when the fire started. a wonderful mom who saved her young daughter a sog and a cat. The animals were saved and the mom and daughter are doing well. There are now many different spots to give donations for this family. Who really need everyones help for this holiday season. i was there for it all and saw how truely horrible this was. To help you can donate toys and womens clothing to the bel air fire house. C milton wright highschool has also set up a relief bank account for the family. Please help them in this holiday season.
We have organized a fundraiser night this Saturday at the Main Street Tower in Bel Air. We are accepting donations, and the cover charge ($5) will go towards the family. Please come out and support them 🙂
All details can be found on the facebook event page, located here:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=131781636879803&num_event_invites=0#!/event.php?eid=131781636879803