A three-alarm fire destroyed a two-story home in Smallwood early yesterday, displacing the 65-year-old homeowner and slightly injuring several firefighters, authorities said. Firefighters from Reese, Westminster, Gamber, Sykesville, Pleasant Valley and Winfield responded. Firefighters were on the scene for six hours.

The loss was estimated at $75,000.

The state fire marshal's office is investigating the cause, officials said.

The homeowner, Doris Rash, discovered the fire when she investigated a noise on her enclosed back porch about 3 a.m., said Marion Davidson Jr., chief of the Reese & Community Volunteer Fire Company.

Davidson said several firefighters suffered minor injuries and were treated at the scene.

The fire went to three alarms -- mostly for additional manpower because of the extreme cold, Davidson said.

Rash told firefighters she could stay with a sister in Westminster, Davidson said.

Pub Date: 2/23/99