Just before 5:00 A.M. this morning Sykesville Fire and rescue Units along with surrounding Mutual Aid Units from Winfield, Gamber, West Friendship, and Randallstown, responded to a reported basement fire in the 6200 Block of Samara Circle in Sykesville.

Chief 12 arrived on the scene and advised that the occupants were out of the house, smoke detectors were sounding, and smoke was coming from the townhouse. Engine 123 arrived and the crew advanced an attack line to the basement of the home and found a fire in the ceiling area of the laundry room. The fire was quickly extinguished and crews checked for further fire extension in the basement and the adjoining townhouse.

Tower 12 arrived and the crew went to work throwing ground ladders and setting up a fan to ventilate the structure. All other units staged on Piney Ridge Parkway until they were released.

Crews operated on the scene for approximately one hour before returning to service.

The fire originated in the clothes dryers flexible duct tubing located in the basement laundry room.

The Sykesville Fire Department recommends that everyone should practice proper maintenance and cleaning of all clothes dryer ducts and lint traps to prevent fires.