January 9th, 2023 by WCBC Radio

ELKTON, MD (January 8, 2023) - State Fire Marshals are crediting a smoke alarm and a home fire sprinkler system for saving the lives of a family and reducing significant property damage at a Elkton home late last night.

Singerly Fire Company and mutual-aid departments were called to the home just after 1:00 a.m. Sunday morning for a reported dwelling fire in the 200 block of Independence Drive after the occupant discovered a fire in a bedroom after a smoke alarm sounded. Upon arrival, the fire department determined the fire had been extinguished with one fire sprinkler that had activated.

Fire investigators concluded the fire was an accident resulting from a malfunctioning oscillating fan.  The investigation determined that the activation of only one automatic fire sprinkler prevented the fire from spreading from the bedroom into the remainder of the home. Damage was limited to an estimated $10,000, and no injuries were reported. One adult and two kids, ages 15 & 8, are being temporarily assisted by other family members. 

State Fire Marshal Brian S. Geraci stated, “Residential fire sprinklers are proven to save lives, prevent injuries and protect property and valuables. The best home fire safety practice is combining a smoke alarm, an escape plan, and a residential fire sprinkler. Today we saw the effects of this winning combination;”.

Maryland requires a residential fire sprinkler in all new one- or two-family homes across the state. Maryland law also prohibits local governments from weakening the sprinkler requirement in their jurisdiction’s building codes.