Fire caused about half a million dollars in damage to a Fallston home Saturday, as personnel and equipment from seven area fire companies responded to bring the fire under control.
Investigators say they believe the blaze burned for several hours before it was noticed.
Shortly before 2 p.m., Harford County emergency operations received a number of 9-1-1 calls reporting smoke coming from a home in the 600 block of Powder Mill Road, according to a news release from the Harford County Volunteer Fire and EMS Association.
Neighbors said no one was inside the home, a one-story rancher.
When units from Fallston Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Company arrived, smoke was company from the chimney and eaves of the house. When firefighters entered the home they were met by thick smoke and high levels of heat, according to the news release.
Firefighters controlled the blaze, which centered in the basement, within 20 minutes.
One firefighter suffered minor injuries caused by smoke inhalation. He was evaluated on the scene then taken to Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center in Baltimore where he was treated and released Saturday evening.
Personnel from Fallston, Bel Air, Joppa-Magnolia, Level and Jarrettsville Volunteer Fire companies in Harford County and Kingsville and Long Green Volunteer Fire companies in Baltimore County, responded to the fire.
Deputy state fire marshals determined the fire started accidentally because of an electrical malfunction.
Investigators said they also believe the fire was burning for several hours while the homeowners were away from home and before anyone called 9-1-1.