Crime & Safety

2 People Transported, 3 Cats Rescued in Columbia Apartment Blaze

At least 16 people were displaced, according to the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services.

Two people were taken to the hospital, three cats were rescued and multiple residents were displaced after an apartment fire in Columbia Friday afternoon, the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services reported.

Firefighters and paramedics were dispatched to the 11300 block of Little Patuxent Parkway after 1:30 p.m. for a reported fire with people trapped inside an apartment building, according to a statement from the department.

Upon arrival, firefighters found flames through the roof of the three-story complex and were told that the woman and child initially thought to be trapped had gotten out of the building, the report said. Due to the heavy fire conditions and the need to search more than 20 apartments to ensure nobody was inside, the department said crews called for additional personnel.

Approximately 60 firefighters responded and brought the blaze under control in 45 minutes, Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services said.

Firefighters continued to extinguish hot spots for approximately one hour after the fire was under control, the department said.

One woman was taken to Howard County General Hospital for smoke inhalation, while another was transported for chest pain, the statement said.

Three cats were rescued from the blaze, the department reported.

At least 16 residents were displaced from the complex where the fire broke out, which was a garden-style apartment building, officials said. Authorities anticipated more would need shelter, as not all residents were home during the fire.

Traffic was diverted at Hickory Ridge Road and Little Sparrow Place during the firefighting operation.

Due to cold temperatures, those who had been evacuated were being temporarily sheltered at the community's clubhouse, Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services said.

The American Red Cross was working with apartment complex management to arrange for shelter for the displaced residents, the report stated.

As of Friday night, the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services was investigating what caused the fire.


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