Three displaced, family cats killed in Hurlock house fire

HURLOCK, Md. – The Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal is investigating a fire that displaced a family of three and claimed multiple of their pet cats’ lives.

Just after noon on Nov. 8, crews with the Hurlock Volunteer Fire Company and other local departments responded to the 4000 block of Wrights Wharf Road after a homeowner discovered a fire in their kitchen. Smoke alarms were present and activated in the home at the time of the fire.

A total of 30 firefighters battled the blaze for half an hour before successfully extinguishing the blaze. The total damage to the house and its contents is estimated to be valued at $150,000.

The cause remains under investigation at this time, but investigators say they have not recovered any evidence of a criminal act, and cannot rule out an electrical malfunction at this time.

One dog and two cats were able to be saved from the home and taken for medical evaluation. Unfortunately, three cats perished in the fire and a fourth remains unaccounted for. The displaced family is being assisted by the American Red Cross.