Fire Marshal Fire Investigations -- July 2021

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Date: 7/1/21

Time: 6:53 a.m.

Location / Address: 11 Prospect Avenue, Indian Head, Charles County, MD

Type of Incident: Fire

Description of Structure / Property: 2 Story Single Family Dwelling

Owner / Occupants: Andrew Kurtz

Injuries or Deaths: None

Estimated $ Loss: Structure: $ 2,500.00 Contents: $2,500.00

Smoke Alarm Status:

Fire Alarm / Sprinkler Status: N/A

Arrests(s): None

Primary Responding Fire Department: NDW - Indian Head

# of Alarms: 1 # Of Firefighters: 4

Time to Control: 5 minutes

Discovered By: Resident

Area of Origin: Utility Closet

Preliminary Cause: Accidental - Improperly installed water heater.

Additional Information: The incident involved a small fire in the utility closet in the residence. The fire was extinguished by residents in the home. The accidental fire was caused by an improperly installed water heater. No injures were reported and the residents were not displaced as a result of the fire.

 

[Editor]

Three People Injured By Fireworks In Carroll County

CARROLL COUNTY, MD (July 5, 2021) -Three people, including a 9-year-old boy, were injured by illegal fireworks yesterday evening in Carroll County. Deputy State Fire Marshals stayed busy investigating three unrelated incidents as fireworks filled the evening sky across Maryland on the 4th of July.

Around 10:00 p.m., investigators were requested to the 2400 block of Mount Ventus Road in Manchester after firefighters and EMS personnel discovered a 9-year-old injured by fireworks. The child was sitting with his parents when a box of illegal fireworks exploded, subsequently sending debris onto him causing 2nd and 3rd degree burns. After being stabilized by Manchester Volunteer Fire Company, he was flown by Maryland State Police Aviation Command to Johns Hopkins Children's Center. He is currently listed in stable condition with 7-10% burns to his upper torso.

The investigation is ongoing, and charges may be filed pending consultation with the Carroll County State's Attorney's Office.

Deputy State Fire Marshals were later requested to respond to Carroll Hospital after being notified that two adults walked into the emergency room after being injured by fireworks. Investigators learned that a 48-year-old man sustained 2nd-degree burns to both legs, while sparks from a bottle rocket caused an eye injury to a 35-year-old male.

"These incidents highlight the reason why the Office of the State Fire Marshal and our fire investigation partners tell the public year after year to attend a public fireworks display," stated State Fire Marshal Brian S. Geraci. "Careless behavior led to a 9-year-old child being seriously injured. Countless people across Maryland safely enjoyed the Fourth of July with their families at one of over forty public fireworks displays last night."

 

[Editor]

Date: 7/1/21

Time: 8:20 p.m.

Location / Address: Sandhurst Place, Waldorf, Charles County, Maryland

Type of Incident: Fire

Description of Structure / Property: Community Gazebo

Owner / Occupants: St. Charles

Injuries or Deaths: None

Estimated $ Loss: Structure: $ 500.00 Contents: $

Smoke Alarm Status: N/A

Fire Alarm / Sprinkler Status: N/A

Arrests(s): None

Primary Responding Fire Department: No Fire Department Response

# of Alarms: 0 # Of Firefighters: 0

Time to Control: 2 minutes

Discovered By: Community Residents

Area of Origin: In and around the community gazebo.

Preliminary Cause: Incendiary

Additional Information: The cause of the fire was the result of juveniles intentionally igniting garbage in the gazebo, as well as around it, in addition to a tire which was also ignited causing damage to both the gazebo and the surrounding area. The fire was extinguished by neighboring residents. The original incident occurred on July 1, 2021 and was reported on July 2, 2021. The incident remains under investigation.

 

[Editor]

Date: 7-5-21

Time: 3:24 p.m.

Location / Address: 3395 Leonardtown Road, Waldorf, Charles County, Maryland

Type of Incident: Fire

Description of Structure / Property: Convenience Store

Owner / Occupants: 7-Eleven

Injuries or Deaths: None

Estimated $ Loss: Structure: $ 2,000.00 Contents: $ 00

Smoke Alarm Status: N/A

Fire Alarm / Sprinkler Status: N/A

Arrests(s): None

Primary Responding Fire Department: None

# of Alarms: 0 # Of Firefighters: 0

Time to Control: 0

Discovered By: Employee

Area of Origin: Exterior of Business

Preliminary Cause: Under Investigation

Additional Information: The incident involved a small fire and explosion in the rear of the store. Unknown suspects placed explosive devices in utility areas in the rear of the store. Anyone with any information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Office of the State Fire Marshal, Southern Regional Office, at 443-550-6831.

 

[Editor]

Photo courtesy of Waldorf Volunteer Fire Department

Date: 7/7/21

Time: 5:37 p.m.

Location / Address: 2737 Tred Avon Court, Waldorf, Charles County, Maryland

Type of Incident: Fire

Description of Structure / Property: 2 Story Single Family Dwelling

Owner / Occupants: Joseph Chisholm

Injuries or Deaths: None

Estimated $ Loss: Structure: $ 10,000.00 Contents: $ 0

Smoke Alarm Status: N/A

Fire Alarm / Sprinkler Status: N/A

Arrests(s): None

Primary Responding Fire Department: Waldorf Volunteer Fire Department

# of Alarms: 1 # Of Firefighters: 10

Time to Control: 0 minutes

Discovered By: Neighbor

Area of Origin: Exterior of Residence

Preliminary Cause: Under Investigation

Additional Information: The incident involved a fire in a trash can on the exterior of the residence. A neighbor alerted the occupant, who extinguished the fire prior to the arrival of the fire department.

 

[Editor]

Date: 7/12/21

Time: 6:51 p.m.

Location / Address: 333 Bay Avenue, Prince Frederick, Calvert County, Maryland

Type of Incident: Fire

Description of Structure / Property: 2 10x12 Sheds

Owner / Occupants: Carla Hutchins

Injuries or Deaths: None

Estimated $ Loss: Structure: $ 4,000.00 Contents: $ 1,000.00

Smoke Alarm Status: N/A

Fire Alarm / Sprinkler Status: N/A

Arrests(s): None

Primary Responding Fire Department: Prince Frederick Volunteer Fire Department

# of Alarms: 1 # Of Firefighters: 15

Time to Control: 10 minutes

Discovered By: Neighbor

Area of Origin: Interior of Shed.

Preliminary Cause: Accidental

Additional Information: The fire was the result of the failure of an extension cord, which was plugged into a power strip within one of the sheds. There were no injuries as a result of the fire.

 

[Editor]

Date: 7/17/21

Time: 6:49 p.m.

Location / Address: Quatman Road in the area of Great Mills Road, Lexington Park, St. Mary's County, MD

Type of Incident: Fire

Description of Structure / Property: Vehicle

Owner / Occupants: Unknown at this time.

Injuries or Deaths: None

Estimated $ Loss: Structure: $ 7,000.00 Contents: $ 0

Smoke Alarm Status: N/A

Fire Alarm / Sprinkler Status: N/A

Arrests(s): None

Primary Responding Fire Department: Bay District Volunteer Fire Department

# of Alarms: 1 # Of Firefighters: 4

Time to Control: 5 minutes

Discovered By: Passer-By

Area of Origin: Passenger Compartment

Preliminary Cause: Under Investigation

Additional Information: The vehicle was parked in a secluded area of Quatman Road and had burned for some time before being discovered by a passing motorist. Anyone with any information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Office of the State Fire Marshal, Southern Regional Office, at 443-550-6831.

 

[Editor]

Date: 7/23/21

Time: 9:40 p.m.

Location / Address: 8564 Barry's Hill Road, Accokeek, Charles County, Maryland

Type of Incident: Fire

Description of Structure / Property: Ford Explorer Sport Trac

Owner / Occupants: Christine Buckley

Injuries or Deaths: None

Estimated $ Loss: Structure: $ 2,000.00 Contents: $

Smoke Alarm Status: N/A

Fire Alarm / Sprinkler Status: N/A

Arrests(s): None

Primary Responding Fire Department: Bryans Road Volunteer Fire Department

# of Alarms: 1 # Of Firefighters: 4

Time to Control: 10 minutes

Discovered By: Passer-By

Area of Origin: Under Investigation

Preliminary Cause: Under Investigation

Additional Information: The vehicle was reported stolen approximately 30 minutes prior to the vehicle being found on fire. Anyone with any information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Office of the State Fire Marshal, Southern Regional Office, at 444-550-6833.

 

[Editor]

Date: 7/27/21

Time: 11:51 p.m.

Location / Address: 21600 Great Mills Road, Lexington Park, St. Mary's County, Maryland

Type of Incident: Fire

Description of Structure / Property: Strip Mall

Owner / Occupants: Restore Home Discount Center

Injuries or Deaths: None

Estimated $ Loss: Structure: $ 5,000.00 Contents: $ 0

Smoke Alarm Status: N/A

Fire Alarm / Sprinkler Status: N/A

Arrests(s): None

Primary Responding Fire Department: Bay District Volunteer Fire Department

# of Alarms: 1 # Of Firefighters: 35

Time to Control: 15 minutes

Discovered By: Passer-By

Area of Origin: Exterior of Store

Preliminary Cause: Under Investigation

Additional Information: The fire involved furniture and other materials left in the rear of the building for donation purposes. The fire damaged the donated materials, as well as building services. The incident remains under investigation. Anyone with any information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Office of the State Fire Marshal, Southern Regional Office, at 443-550-6831.

 

[Editor]

Date: 7/28/21

Time: 4:32 a.m.

Location / Address: 22278 Scott Circle, Lexington Park, St. Mary's County, Maryland

Type of Incident: Fire

Description of Structure / Property: 2 Story Single Family Dwelling

Owner / Occupants: Ronald Flowers

Injuries or Deaths: None

Estimated $ Loss: Structure: $ 10,000.00 Contents: $ 1,000.00

Smoke Alarm Status: Present - Activated

Fire Alarm / Sprinkler Status: Present - Activated

Arrests(s): None

Primary Responding Fire Department: Bay District Volunteer Fire Department

# of Alarms: 1 # Of Firefighters: 45

Time to Control: 15 minutes

Discovered By: Resident

Area of Origin: Interior of Dwelling

Preliminary Cause: Under Investigation

Additional Information: The incident involved a small fire on the interior of the dwelling. Residents were alerted to the fire by the smoke detectors in the home. The residential sprinkler system controlled the fire until the arrival of fire department personnel. No injuries were reported as a result of the fire. Anyone with any information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Office of the State Fire Marshal, Southern Regional Office, at 443-550-6831.

 

[Editor]

Date: 7/29/21

Time: 11:03 p.m.

Location / Address: Stuckey Road, Indian Head, Charles County, Maryland

Type of Incident: Fire

Description of Structure / Property: 2017 Lexus NX200t

Owner / Occupants: Alderick Van Kinchen

Injuries or Deaths: None

Estimated $ Loss: Structure: $ 12,000.00 Contents: $ 0

Smoke Alarm Status: N/A

Fire Alarm / Sprinkler Status: N/A

Arrests(s): None

Primary Responding Fire Department: Tenth District Volunteer Fire Department

# of Alarms: 1 # Of Firefighters: 10

Time to Control: 15 minutes

Discovered By: Neighbor

Area of Origin: Passenger Compartment

Preliminary Cause: Incendiary

Additional Information: Anyone with any information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Office of the State Fire Marshal, Southern Regional Office, at 443-550-6835.