Baltimore firefighters found themselves at the same home twice last week in a lucky and lifesaving coincidence.
The crew of Engine Company 51 had just installed a smoke detector at an East Baltimore home Friday while canvassing the neighborhood to promote fire safety.
Just seven hours later, at 1:45 a.m. Saturday, crews responded to the same location to find the home nearly engulfed in flames, reports Kevin Cartwright, BFD chief public information officer. They encountered heavy smoke and fire coming from the first and second floors, and performed a search operation for the occupant.
A preliminary investigation has revealed that the occupant awoke to the sound of the alarm, escaped through the front door and took shelter at a neighbor's house. The home suffered $20,000 in damages and the cause remains under investigation.
"This incident is a testament to the fact that smoke alarms can and will save lives," said Fire Chief Jim Clack in a prepared statement. "Every household must have one."
