Fire in Elkridge Shuts Down Route 1, Displaces Elderly Man

A structure fire shut down part of Route 1 in Elkridge Tuesday evening and displaced an elderly man, said fire officials.

"It was a significant fire," said Howard County Fire and Rescue Services spokeswoman Julia Lynch. "There's significant damage to the home."

What appeared to be a building housing the was actually a residence on the 7200 block of Washington Boulevard, according to preliminary reports.

Officials said an older gentleman escaped the building without injury and refused medical treatment. No further information regarding his identity was available, said officials.

An individual called 911 to report the fire at approximately 6:50 p.m., said Lynch. Three counties sent firefighters to respond—Howard, Baltimore and Anne Arundel—and as a result, the blaze was completely out by 7 p.m., according to officials.

Between 7 and 9 p.m., all northbound lanes on Route 1 were closed between Meadowridge Road and Route 100.

The origin of the fire is unknown at this time, said Lynch. Officials reported that the elderly gentleman is receiving assistance from the Red Cross.