Teen Sister Saves Younger Siblings' Lives, Prevents Spread Of Kitchen Fire

EDGEWOOD, MD — A 14-year-old has been credited with saving her siblings' lives and helping prevent the spread of a fire that broke out at their townhome when the three kids were cooking French fries in an air fryer.

The fire broke out during the lunch hour July 15 at the two-story, middle of the group, townhome located in the 600 block of Burlington Court. According to the Maryland state fire marshal's office, the three kids, ages 4, 10 and 14, were home alone cooking around 12:20 p.m. when the 14-year-old smelled smoke and later discovered the air fryer on fire. She helped her younger brother and sister out of the house and alerted a neighbor who called 911 for them, according to the fire marshal's office.

"Investigators credit the young girl with remaining calm, getting her siblings out and notifying an adult," the fire marshal's office stated.

Harford County Sheriff's Office deputies arrived on the scene first and closed the front door, preventing the spread of the fire. Firefighters were able to contain the brunt of the fire to the kitchen, but with significant heat, soot and smoke damage throughout the rest of the home.

More than two dozen firefighters with the Joppa-Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company, Abingdon and Aberdeen Proving Ground fire departments arrived and brought the blaze under control within 15 minutes.

The fire marshal's office has estimated the loss of contents and structure damage at $75,000. The five members of the family have been displaced and are being assisted by Harford County Disaster Assistance.