Three-Alarm Fire Damages Baltimore Row Homes

Jan. 27, 2009
More than 70 Baltimore city firefighters worked to put out a three-alarm blaze.

BALTIMORE --

A 5-year-old girl is being credited with helping her family escape a fire that damaged a row home.

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More than 90 Baltimore city firefighters worked to put out the Tuesday evening, three-alarm blaze in the northwest section of the city.

The fire occurred in the 3600 block of West Belvedere Avenue shortly after 5 p.m.

City Fire Department spokesman Kevin Cartwright said at least three homes were on fire. He said at least six homes were damaged.

Investigators said the girl alerted her parents of the smoke detector that was going off and that the family got out safely.

"It is very unfortunate that this family lost their home, but it is fortunate that her parents taught her what to do when a smoke alarm sounds, and that's to get out of the house," said Fire Chief Jim Clack. "It's because of the actions of this young child that her family is alive today."

Crews were forced to fight the fire from the outside due to dangerous conditions, Sky Team 11 Capt. Roy Taylor reported.

Firefighters said that the weather did not complicate their operation.

No injuries were reported. The Red Cross is assisting three families affected by the fire. About $65,000 worth of damage was done.

Parts of Belvedere Avenue in that area were blocked off so crews could work.

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