At around 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 25, Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Service personnel had all hands on deck after there were multiple reports of a fire in the 9000 block of Stebbing Way in Laurel, with all three floors fully engulfed in flames.
According to officials, a search of the building found it to be unoccupied, though firefighters rescued two dogs, two cats, and a turtle from the wreckage.
The fire was declared under control in approximately an hour, and the residents were all able to evacuate from the building before crews arrived to battle the blaze.
More than two dozen residents were displaced and are being assisted, and investigators say that the fire caused an estimated $1.5 million in damage.
The cause and origin of the fire remain under investigation by the Maryland Fire Marshal.
On Facebook, local residents praised the Howard County Department of Fire And Rescue, largely for coming to the aid of the distressed pets (along with some spam messages).
No injuries were reported. More information is expected to be released.
Check Daily Voice for updates as more information is released.
Want breaking news in the DMV as it happens, or want to contribute? Join the DMV All Incidents Facebook group.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Hagerstown and receive free news updates.