Wednesday, February 25, 2015

HOUSE FIRE LEAVES THREE PEOPLE DISPLACED IN SALISBURY. AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE










FEBRUARY 19, 2015

SALISBURY, MARYLAND

The State Fire Marshal has ruled an electrical problem as the cause of a house fire that left three people displaced late Wednesday night in Salisbury in Poplar Hill Avenue.

According to Salisbury Fire Department Assistant Chief Darrin Scott, firefighters reported to a two-alarm house fire shortly before midnight on Poplar Hill Avenue in the area of Gay Street.

Scott said a couple woke up just before midnight Wednesday, and called for help after smelling smoke.  A third person was asleep on the first floor of the two-story home. There were no reported injuries.
George Powell lives a couple homes up the street from the home that caught on fire. Powell was up late helping his daughter finish a school project. He said he and his family smelled smoke and looked out of the window to see what happened. 

"I saw the lights, and then I saw the neighbors down the street here , and it[the house] was engulfed in flames," Powell said. "I'm just sorry that it had to happen like this."
The assistant chief said all three Salisbury fire companies, along with companies from Fruitland and Delmar, responded to the blaze.

Fire officials said there was heavy smoke showing from the attic area when they first arrived at the scene. The blaze took around one hour to contain.

The Salisbury Fire Department said there was a partial roof collapse at the house after the fire died down. Debris flew in the air falling down on the street. Caleb McKenzie lives on the same street and said he "couldn't believe what was going on; it was like a movie." 

The Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office said damage is estimated at $160,000.