Pittsville home destroyed in fire

PITTSVILLE, Md. – A home in Pittsville was destroyed after it caught fire Monday evening.

The fire was reported at around 5:45 p.m. at 7454 Cemetary Avenue. Firefighters battled the blaze for roughly an hour and a half before it was brought under control. Two firefighters were evaluated at the scene for a heat related illness but refused transport.

Further investigation by state fire marshals revealed that the fire was accidental in nature, caused by the failure of the kitchen stove control module. The occupant initially discovered the fire, but because they escaped without a cell phone, the fire was not reported until the occupant flagged down a passerby. Unfortunately, at least eight cats died in the fire.

Total damage has been estimated at $200,000.