ABERDEEN, Md. — An investigation is underway after multiple townhomes caught fire in Aberdeen on Saturday night.
Volunteer firefighters from the Abingdon Fire Company responded to the 4700 block of Witchhazel Way for a two-alarm fire.
When they arrived, fire officials began to put out the fire that had affected eight townhomes.
Nearly 70 firefighters battled the blaze, which took two hours to get under control.
According to the fire marshal, the conflagration caused three of the homes to collapse, causing the others to sustain fire, soot, and water damage.
“Just hearing the bomb, it felt like a bomb like blew and shook our house," said neighbor Davia Jones. "And then to know that my mom is in the section so I’m running and seeing multiple explosions, multiple explosions."
Officials say the fire originated in the rear of one of the middle units.
Ike Wright lived in one of the townhomes that was destroyed. While he and his family lost everything, he said he is glad everyone made it out alive and well.
“I was just making sure my family gets a, you know, into a new home as soon as possible. I mean, really, you can’t really fathom losing your home in the middle of the night and how you react the next day. I still haven’t slept," said Wright. "You know, just like I said, I’m grateful that most of the families that are out are out and they are safe, and hopefully they can get the help that they can get. I know the community usually pulls together, and all my friends and family reached out, so, that’s what we’re looking forward to moving forward."
One firefighter was injured while attempting to put out the fire; their condition is unknown at this time.
18 people were displaced and were helped by Harford County Disaster Assistance and the Red Cross.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
