Candle Sparks Bedroom Fire In Aberdeen Home, Injuring One

Two of the owner's 4 cats are missing after the accidental blaze.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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A fire broke out in an Aberdeen, Maryland home on Thursday night after an unattended candle in a bedroom sparked the blaze. One person was injured, and two of the homeowner's four cats are still unaccounted for after the incident.

Why it matters

Home fires caused by unattended candles are a common occurrence, and this incident highlights the importance of fire safety and responsible candle usage, especially in homes with pets. The fate of the missing cats also raises concerns about animal welfare in emergency situations.

The details

Firefighters responded to the one-story single-family home on Darlington Avenue around 10:11 pm after a passerby spotted the fire through a window and alerted the resident, who was in the bathroom at the time. The resident was able to get two of her four cats out of the home, but two others remain missing. Firefighters were able to contain the fire damage to the bedroom, but the home suffered extensive heat, water, and soot damage throughout.

  • The fire was reported around 10:11 pm on Thursday, February 13, 2026.

The players

Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal

The state agency responsible for investigating the cause and origin of the fire.

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What’s next

The state fire marshal's office will continue to investigate the cause and origin of the fire.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder for all homeowners to be vigilant about fire safety, especially when using candles, and to have an emergency plan in place to protect both family and pets in the event of a home fire.