4 Displaced by House Fire in Ellicott City, Officials Say

Four adults were displaced by a fire that broke out in a home near Turf Valley Thursday afternoon, according to the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services.

At 2:15 p.m. on Thursday, crews from Howard and Carroll counties responded to a reported house fire in the 2900 block of Timber Trails Court, the department said in a statement.

When the homeowner had arrived at the residence, smoke and fire were present, the statement said.

Nobody was home at the time of the fire, except for two cats, one of whom was safely located, according to the statement; the other cat was missing, officials said.

Crews had the fire under control within approximately 40 minutes, then checked for extension, according to the report.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, officials said Thursday afternoon.

Property loss and damage were estimated to be $600,000, according to the report.

Four adults were displaced and will be assisted by the Red Cross, the report said.

Related: Crews Battle House Fire in Turf Valley