71-Year-Old Jumps from Balcony to Escape Fire In Edgewood

A terrifying fire in Edgewood forced a 71-year-old man to leap from his second-story balcony Saturday night to save his life. While he made it out, he suffered burns on 20 to 30 percent of his body.

The fire broke out around 10 p.m. on Crimson Tree Way. Investigators later determined that it started when something combustible came into contact with a kitchen stove.

It took about 35 firefighters half an hour to bring the flames under control, but not before the fire caused an estimated $500,000 in damage. Officials noted that there was no working fire alarm or sprinkler system in the building.

One firefighter sustained minor injuries but chose not to go to the hospital. Meanwhile, five other residents from the four-unit apartment building were displaced. Fortunately, they’re getting support from family, friends, and Harford County Disaster Assistance.

A scary situation all around, but thanks to the quick response of firefighters, it could have been even worse.