In the early morning of May 29, 2012, a fire in Forest Hill left five adults and two children without a home. In the early morning a male resident of the home located on the 2400 block of Dixie Lane, heard a noise and went to investigate.
Upon investigating, he discovered a fire and managed to awaken his family in time to flee the fire and call for help.
When fire personnel arrived upon the scene, the blaze had engulfed the building. Due to the intensity of the blaze, fire commanders ordered all firefighters out of the building and to take a defensive stand.
The fire called for firefighters from Bel Air, Fallston, Jarrettsville, Level and Darlington to put out the two alarm fire. According to Rich Gardiner, spokesman for the Harford County Fire and EMS, the blaze took 35 minutes to put out. Firefighters from Baltimore County were called to cover companies engaged in battling the blaze.
While emergency responders initially believed someone was trapped inside the building, Gardiner said they soon learned that was not the case. There were no injuries reported as a result of the fire in the two-and-a-half-story residential home, according to Gardiner.
The fire displaced five adults and two children. The two children are both under the age of three. Unfortunately, the family did loose their dog in the fire.
Crews were expected to arrive to bulldoze the property, according to Gardiner. The home is deemed a total loss and damage is estimated at approximately $600,000. Maryland State Fire Marshalls are investigating the cause of the fire.
The family is being assisted by the Red Cross. There is a need for donations to assist the family. All donations can be taken to the Bel Air Fire Department located on Hickory Avenue.
Items being collected include:
- Boys 12-18mths
- Size 3 diapers
- Boys 4T
- Size 8-9 little boys shoes
- Men’s XL shirt
- Women’s size M or 6/8
- New or gently used toys for the boys as well especially spiderman for the 3 year old boy
There is no word yet on the men’s pants or shoe size or the women’s shoe size.
Also extremely helpful for the family, would be gift cards to Target and/or Toys R Us. Items such as personal products will be necessary to be purchased. To make a direct donation to the family, follow this link for more info. The email address to send money via PayPal is noted.