Four people who were awakened by a smoke detector escaped from their Taneytown home without injury when a fire erupted in one of the bedrooms about 11:45 p.m. Friday.

Investigators from the state fire marshal's office said the blaze, which caused about $10,000 damage to the home, was accidental. The cause was an extension cord in the bedroom that burned.

Fire officials said the house, in the first block of Wilson Ave., was occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Jerrold Utz and their two children, Shane and Shannon. Mr. Utz heard the smoke detector and evacuated the family, officials said.

Fire investigators said a Taneytown police officer was the first to arrive at the scene, and he helped Mr. Utz fight the fire until volunteer firefighters arrived.

The blaze under brought under control within 10 minutes, but firefighters remained at the site for two hours checking other sections of the house for damage.

School plans event for award presentation

New Windsor Middle School is holding a principal's honors awards breakfast today at 8 a.m. in the school cafeteria to honor students who received all A's during the third marking period.