Investigators: Dog Alerts Oldtown Homeowner to House Fire

In the early hours of Sunday morning, a dog’s alertness saved a Maryland woman from a fire that damaged her home extensively.

Dog Alerts Homeowner to Blaze

The fire, which broke out around 12:30 a.m., caused approximately $100,000 in damage but spared the homeowner, Kaylee Trenum, from harm, according to a report from the Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal. Thanks to her dog’s quick response, Trenum was warned of the emergency, allowing her to take action as smoke alarms sounded throughout the home.

According to fire investigators, the blaze began on the rear deck of Trenum’s single-story residence on East Wilson Road. Officials determined that the fire likely started when embers from a portable fire pit beneath the deck ignited nearby combustible materials and vegetation. This initial ignition rapidly escalated, with flames spreading to the deck and ultimately the house itself.

Heroic Pet Saves Owner in Late-Night Emergency

Trenum’s dog played a pivotal role in her escape. The dog reportedly began barking and alerted her to the fire before the flames spread too far, giving her valuable time to evacuate. This timely warning, coupled with the activation of the smoke alarms, allowed Trenum to escape without injury despite the rapid advance of the flames. The fire marshal’s office underscored the significance of functional smoke alarms in homes, highlighting their role in potentially life-saving situations like Trenum’s. Smoke alarms, which were already sounding when Trenum’s dog began alerting her, gave her the added confirmation of the emergency unfolding in her home.

Quick Fire Response Prevents Further Devastation

Firefighters from Oldtown and neighboring fire companies responded swiftly to the emergency at 18788 E. Wilson Road, controlling the blaze in about 30 minutes. Their rapid response helped limit the damage to Trenum’s home and prevented the fire from spreading further. Firefighters successfully contained the flames to the rear deck area, which sustained the most extensive damage.

Although the fire left behind substantial damage, the quick actions of both Trenum’s pet and the fire departments prevented what could have been a more tragic outcome. In light of the incident, fire officials are reminding residents to be mindful of outdoor fire pits and the potential risks associated with open flames near flammable materials. Ensuring that fire pits are completely extinguished and that combustibles are safely cleared from nearby areas are key preventive measures that homeowners can take.