A one-story house on Kent Avenue in La Plata was heavily damaged by a fire state authorities determined was an accident. According to the Maryland State Fire Marshalโ€™s Office, the blaze was discovered by a neighbor shortly after 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 26.

A single alarm prompted the dispatch of 35 firefighters, including volunteers from La Plata, Waldorf, Bel Alton, Bryans Road, Marbury and Hughesville; as well as personnel from Naval District Washington.

โ€œThe fire cause was determined to be accidental from an electrical malfunction at a wall outlet,โ€ stated Dfm. John Nelson, who added the occupants were displaced and are being assisted by the American Red Cross.

There were no injuries reported and total damage is estimated at $20,000.

The Maryland Fire Marshalโ€™s summary identified the homeowner as Elana Gamble.

Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com

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