CLEAR SPRING -- A fire Sunday that caused major damage to a house at 13331 Independence Road was caused by cooking on a stove, and fire officials are collecting donations of clothing and money to help the family who lived there.
While food was cooking on a stove, people in the home went outside with a puppy, Clear Spring Volunteer Fire Co. Chief Michael Reid said.
The fire spread through the kitchen, Reid said.
David Thompson, an off-duty Maryland State Police trooper, responded to the house and saw heavy fire, Reid said.
Fire crews were dispatched at 5:31 p.m., and more than 50 firefighters and emergency medical personnel responded, officials said.
No one was hurt, but two family cats died, Reid said.
The contents of the house were destroyed, and the Clear Spring Volunteer Fire Department is collecting clothing, gift cards, cash and checks to help Troy and Gina Haws and their 9-year-old son with immediate needs, Reid said.
