Dehumidifier Sparks Basement Fire In Edgewood Home

EDGEWOOD, MD — A dehumidifier that malfunctioned ended up causing extensive damage to an Edgewood home's basement Sunday afternoon.

The fire broke out shortly before 4:30 p.m. Aug. 17 at a home located in the 2900 block of Siwanoy Drive. Thirty-five firefighters from the Abingdon Fire Company and Joppa-Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company spent around 10 minutes putting out the fire.

According to the Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office, the owners smelled smoke and the smoke alarm sounded. When they opened up the basement door, heavy smoke billowed into the home. They closed the door and called 911, which the fire marshal's office said was key in helping stop the spread of the fire.

"By closing the door, they prevented the fire and smoke from spreading throughout the home. (Instead), the fire was contained to the basement, causing extensive fire and heat damage," the fire marshal's office stated.

The two-story, single family home experienced $100,000 in damage and loss of content. The three adults present are being helped by Harford County Disaster Assistance.