Dog Alerts Family To Accidental Garage Fire In La Plata Home

Photo courtesy of the La Plata Volunteer Fire Department

LA PLATA, Md. — A single-family home in La Plata sustained significant damage Tuesday afternoon after an accidental fire broke out in the garage, according to the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

The fire was reported around 4:37 p.m. at a residence in the 300 block of Forest Edge Avenue. Officials said the home’s occupants were alerted to the emergency by the family dog, allowing everyone to escape safely. No injuries were reported.

Firefighters from the La Plata Volunteer Fire Department, along with surrounding departments, responded to the one-alarm incident. About 40 firefighters were on scene and brought the fire under control within approximately 10 minutes.

Investigators determined the fire originated in the garage and was caused by an electrical malfunction. The flames were contained to the area of origin, preventing further spread through the single-story home.

Three residents were displaced as a result of the fire. Damage was estimated at $75,000 to the structure and an additional $10,000 to its contents.

The incident remains under review by the Office of the State Fire Marshal.