A two-alarm fire destroyed an unoccupied farmhouse in the 4300 block of Bartholow Road near Presidential Park early yesterday.

The fire was discovered by a passer-by about 4 a.m. When firefighters arrived shortly afterward, flames were visible in the upstairs rear of the two-story home, said Deputy State Fire Marshal K. Arthur McGhee.

"They had fire popping out from every nook and cranny," McGhee said. "It took them a while to knock it down."

Firefighters from Winfield, Gamber, Sykesville and Westminster responded to the fire. Shortly after 9 a.m., the fire rekindled, and units from Winfield and Gamber returned.

The home is owned by Kenny and Helen McQuay, who also own McQuay's Auto behind the house, McGhee said. The McQuays were on vacation, but their son Kenny Shane was at the scene.

McGhee said the last tenants moved out of the house about four months ago and the owners were renovating it to rent again.

Damage was estimated at $125,000. McGhee said no injuries or water problems fighting the fire were reported.

McGhee is investigating the cause of the fire.