3 Injured in Essex House Fire, Police Investigating Cause

A house fire in Essex Tuesday morning sent three people to the hospital, according to Baltimore County Public Safety officials, who said police were investigating whether an incendiary device was involved.

Firefighters responded to the blaze in the 700 block of Essex Avenue at approximately 9:02 a.m. Tuesday, according to the Baltimore County Police Department.

Before crews arrived, a police officer and a neighbor forced their way into the home to rescue a woman who was inside, according to the report. 

As a result of the fire, the woman was taken to Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center with injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening, the report stated.

The woman told police she had been on the first floor of the two-story home when she heard a loud noise, then saw fire and shattered windows, according to the report.

"Because of the victim’s description of the fire, police are investigating to determine whether an incendiary device was involved," Baltimore County police reported.

Police questioned a neighbor whom officers found in his vehicle approximately one mile away, at Rossville Boulevard and Orems Road, according to officials, who said they thought he may have information about the fire.

Several homes nearby were evacuated as a precaution during the firefighting operation, according to the report.

Most of the fire was knocked down by 9:54 a.m., officials said, and firefighters were attacking the blaze from the exterior.

A firefighter who fell on ice and a police officer who had minor injuries were taken to Franklin Square Medical Center, officials said.

Police were conducting an investigation into the cause of the fire.