HVAC unit to blame for early morning Hurlock house fire

The heating unit of a Hurlock home, has been blamed for a fire that caused more than $50,000 in damages.

The Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office says the fire started around 5:15 AM on Tuesday, in the crawl space of the two story Choptank Landing Road home. According to the report, 25 firefighters from Hurlock and Preston responded, and had the flames under control in about a half hour.

Investigators say they have since ruled the fire as accidental, after figuring out that it started in the heating unit within the home’s HVAC system. Damages are estimated at $55,000. No injuries were reported.

The American Red Cross is reportedly assisting home’s occupants.