Published: August 03, 2009 11:25 pm      

10 left homeless after house fires

None injured in Georges Creek-area incidents

BARTON — Ten people were left homeless Monday by two separate fires in the Georges Creek area, according to the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office.

There were no injuries in either incident.

An 11:03 a.m. fire at the residence of Jamie and Hope Russell at 17305 Laurel Run Road originated in the main electrical service, where it burned off and ignited combustible materials, according to Deputy Fire Marshal Ryan Chapman.

Damages were estimated at $25,000 to the residence and $15,000 to its contents. The family was being assisted by relatives.

Forty volunteer firefighters responded, including companies from Lonaconing, Barton, Midland, Westernport, McCoole and Bloomington. Tri-Towns Ambulance also responded.

In another report, eight people were left homeless by a predawn fire at 15518 Lower Georges Creek Road in Gilmore at the residence of Orrie and Elva Zais, according to the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office.

First-arriving firefighters at the 3:49 a.m. incident found the single-story frame engulfed in flames.

Damages were estimated at $30,000 to the structure and $5,000 to its contents. The property is owned by Dennis Smith of Midland.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by Chapman, who reported that fire originated in a bedroom and was discovered by one of the occupants.

More than three dozen volunteer firefighters from Midland, Lonaconing, Barton, Shaft, Frostburg, Potomac, Clarysville, LaVale and Eastern Garrett companies responded.

The victims are being assisted by family members and the American Red Cross.