Residents, Dogs Escape Late Night Bel Air Fire

Three residents and their dogs escaped, but a firefighter suffered minor injuries battling a blaze late Sunday in Bel Air.

Approximately 40 firefighters arrived around 11:08 p.m. and took 30 minutes to control a fire at a one-story, single-family home in the 300 block of Locust Lane, according to a statement from the Maryland State Fire Marshal.

The firefighter was treated at Upper Chesapeake Medical Center and later released. Harford County Fire & EMS Association spokesman Rich Gardiner said the firefighter was treated for "minor burns to the neck and arm."

The accidental fire began with a "mechanical malfunction" in the engine of a 2002 Volkswagen Jetta, which was parked in the attached garage at the home, according to the fire marshal.

The fire was contained to the garage, but the home endured smoke soot and water damage, the fire marshal said.

"According to the Incident Commander much of the residential space was saved from fire damage," Gardiner said. 

The fire caused approximately $120,000 damage to the home, and $50,000 damage to items in the home. 

Crews from Bel Air, Fallston, Joppa-Magnolia, Abingdon and Kingsville responded to the fire.

A smoke alarm activated during the fire, according to the fire marshal.

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