Crime & Safety

Electrical Malfunction Sparks Townhouse Fire In Columbia

A fire broke out in a townhouse in Columbia, which investigators have determined was caused by an electrical malfunction.

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Multiple 911 calls came through reporting smoke coming out of the townhouse around 2:42 p.m. Firefighters found flames on the second floor and brought the fire under control within 15 minutes.
Multiple 911 calls came through reporting smoke coming out of the townhouse around 2:42 p.m. Firefighters found flames on the second floor and brought the fire under control within 15 minutes. (Photo courtesy of the Howard County Fire and Rescue Services)

COLUMBIA, MD — Firefighters were called to a townhouse in the 6500 block of Sweet Fern in Columbia for a report of a fire Feb. 19.

Multiple 911 calls came through reporting smoke coming out of the townhouse around 2:42 p.m. Firefighters found flames on the second floor and brought the fire under control within 15 minutes, Howard County Fire and Rescue Services reported.

One resident was displaced but there were no injuries reported.

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The Office of the Fire Marshal determined the fire was caused by an electrical malfunction within the home and has been ruled accidental.

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