BETHESDA, Md. — Early Tuesday evening, a fire started in the kitchen of the three-story townhouse on 5100 Dudley Ln., Bristol Square in Bethesda. That's not far from the Rochambeau French International School and a few steps away from the Maplewood-Alta Vista park.

The fire originated from a defective air fryer and displaced three people including a cat. The estimated damages are $20,000.

Firefighters say the family was able to escape after smoke alarms went off, however, the family's pet cat is believed to have escaped and is unaccounted for. Authorities have not yet described the appearance of the cat.

The fire was quickly extinguished and no injuries were reported, according to firefighters. About 50 firefighters responded to the scene.

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