Sprinkler system keeps Elkton kitchen fire from spreading

ELKTON — The Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal is crediting the sprinkler system in place at Birchwood Senior Apartments for containing a Saturday morning kitchen fire.

A grease fire is the cause of the 11:23 a.m. incident in the complex at 145 High St . Investigators say it was not only the sprinklers but working smoke alarms that kept the damage to $20,000 and resulted in only minor injuries. One resident suffered an unspecified medical emergency and was taken to Union Hospital for treatment. Another resident suffered a minor burn injury and refused medical treatment.

Volunteers from Singerly Fire Company needed only 20 minutes to contain the fire scene.

There was no information given on whether the residents of the unit were displaced by the fire damage.