LAVALE — Four people were left homeless in two house fires that broke out in the county in less than eight hours, according to the Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal.
An early morning fire Tuesday in Locust Grove left two people homeless and two Westernport residents were displaced by a blaze that broke out in their property Monday evening, the fire marshal’s office said.
It was 2:39 a.m. when an occupant of a residence at 11113 Locust Grove Road awakened to fire in the bedroom of the two-story structure.
LaVale Volunteer Fire Department and surrounding companies responded with 40 firefighters, taking 35 minutes to control the blaze that originated on the second floor of the structure, investigators said.
The loss to the property, owned and occupied by Donald and Rhonda Michaels, was estimated at $50,000.
The victims are being assisted by a neighbor and the American Red Cross.
At Westernport, two residents of 188 Marsh Ave. escaped a fire that broke out in their residence and adjoining three-bay garage just before 7 p.m. Monday.
Smoke coming from the basement alerted the occupants who were able to flee the property with their pets, the fire marshal’s office said. Officials said the fire originated in the garage.
The property loss to the residence, garage and contents was estimated at $200,000. The property is owned by Droll’s D&D Rentals LLC.
The fire marshal’s office continues to investigate the cause and origin of both fires.