Fire Breaks Out At 4-Story Annapolis Townhome

ANNAPOLIS, MD — A fire broke out Wednesday night at a townhome in Annapolis, but was quickly extinguished by the building's sprinkler system, according to officials.

Annapolis fire crews were dispatched to the 200 block of Francis Noel Way around 8:30 p.m. for a reported fire alarm. When crews arrived, they discovered smoke coming from a fourth-floor balcony of the four-story townhome.

After calling for additional units, firefighters entered the building and found the blaze was already extinguished and contained due to the activation of a fire sprinkler.

Due to the sprinkler system, the home and building were not damaged. Officials said the residence also had working smoke alarms, which alerted the home's occupants.

There were no reported injuries to civilians or firefighters.

"This fire could have been very devastating, but the activation of fire sprinklers saved lives and protected property," Annapolis Fire Chief Douglas Remaley said. "Test your smoke alarms monthly and practice your home fire escape plan as well."

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Annapolis Fire and Explosives Services Unit.