MARDELA SPRINGS, Md.- Authorities have ruled as accidental a Friday morning fire that caused thousands of dollars in damage to a home in northwestern Wicomico County.
The Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office said the blaze broke out shortly after 11 a.m. at a one-story home located at 510 Charles St. in Mardela Springs. A neighbor called 9-1-1 to report the incident.
It took 20 firefighters from the Mardela Springs, Hebron and Sharptown fire departments approximately 20 minutes to get the fire under control.
There were no reported injuries. However, investigators said the fire caused an estimated $40,000 in damage to the home and another $5,000 in damage to its contents.
Authorities said an investigation revealed that the fire started in the laundry room, when combustible materials inside a dryer vent ignited.
The Red Cross is assisting the home's displaced occupants, identified as Harold and Sharlotte McFarlane.
