Over A Dozen Displaced As Massive Fire Engulfs Townhouses In Aberdeen

ABERDEEN - Fire officials have reported that a significant blaze in Aberdeen on Saturday evening resulted in multiple townhouses being burnt, leaving 26 people displaced.

The Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office said multiple emergency calls were received around 10:45 p.m., with residents reporting hearing a series of explosions on Witchhhazel Way.

In response to the two-alarm fire, close to 70 firefighters from Aberdeen, Abingdon, and neighboring departments were dispatched, managing to get the situation under control in about two hours.

According to Harford County Fire & EMS, eight townhouses were engulfed by the fire, with Disaster Assistance responding to the scene to support the victims.

The Fire Marshal's office stated that the blaze led to the structural collapse of three townhouses, while the remaining ones suffered substantial fire, soot, and water damage. The intense heat also caused additional damage to other nearby residences. One firefighter was reported to have a non-life-threatening medical condition due to the incident.

Harford County Disaster Assistance & Red Cross is aiding 26 displaced individuals.

The Fire Marshal's office worked tirelessly overnight to identify the cause and origin of the fire. They found that it had started in the rear section of one of the central units. The Harford County Roads Department aided in clearing the debris and ruined vehicles with heavy machinery.

Following the incident, BGE disconnected power and gas to the affected homes. Harford County Building and Inspections subsequently declared the affected block of homes unfit for habitation. Early loss estimates due to property damage have been valued at $5 million.