A working smoke alarm helped a Bryantown resident and several cats escape safely from a house fire Wednesday night, according to the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
Fire crews were called to the 13500 block of Trotter Road at approximately 8:59 p.m. Sept. 3 for a single-family residence fire. The occupant discovered the fire and was alerted by a working smoke alarm, allowing them to escape along with several cats before firefighters arrived. No injuries were reported.
The Hughesville Volunteer Fire Department led the response, with 50 firefighters bringing the fire under control in 45 minutes. Investigators say the fire originated inside the home; the cause remains undetermined. Officials estimated the loss at $75,000 to the structure and $25,000 to its contents. The home did not have a fire alarm or sprinkler system.
One adult was displaced by the fire and is currently being assisted by the American Red Cross.
