Essex apartment fire displaces 18, injures firefighter

In Essex, Maryland, a fire broke out in an apartment complex on the 1400 block of Hadwick Drive shortly after midnight on October 11, 2024. Firefighters responded quickly to reports of the blaze, which was concentrated in the basement. The situation escalated to a two-alarm fire, prompting additional resources to control the flames, which were finally subdued by 1:07 a.m. Fortunately, there were no civilian injuries reported, although one firefighter sustained minor injuries and was taken to the hospital for evaluation. The fire displaced 18 individuals, including 11 adults and 7 children, as three apartments were damaged. Smoke and water damage affected surrounding units on the upper floors. Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire was caused by an overloaded electrical strip in the basement, highlighting the dangers of improper use of electrical equipment. In response to the incident, the apartment complex management has offered temporary housing in two available apartments for the displaced families. Additionally, the Red Cross has been contacted to provide further assistance to those affected by the fire. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of fire safety and the risks associated with electrical overloads. The investigation into the fire's cause is ongoing, with local fire officials urging residents to be cautious with electrical strips to prevent similar incidents in the future.