Garage Fire Under Investigation After Blaze Destroys Outbuildings

A structure fire that broke out on Mt. Zion Road in Swanton, Maryland, is under investigation after two garage buildings were destroyed and a nearby residence sustained heat damage. Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene just before 1:00 p.m. on April 16, where they found both garages fully engulfed in flames.

The incident occurred at 1802 Mt. Zion Road, where the property owner, Jimmy Lee Flanagan, discovered the fire after noticing smoke spreading through his yard. Initial efforts to extinguish the flames using a small fire extinguisher were unsuccessful, prompting a call to emergency services. The Deer Park Fire Department responded with 15 firefighters and brought the blaze under control within 10 minutes of arrival.

Although no injuries or fatalities were reported, the fire caused an estimated $75,000 in damages—$60,000 to the structures and $15,000 to their contents. Both garages were declared total losses, and the nearby home suffered noticeable heat damage. No arrests have been made, and no smoke or fire alarm systems were reported at the scene.

The fire is believed to have originated on the northern wall of the second garage. The exact cause remains under investigation. Authorities have not ruled out any potential sources and continue to assess the incident for contributing factors.

Article by multiple RFHC contributors, based upon information from the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office

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