Vehicle Fire Causes $25,000 in Damage in Washington County

Sharpsburg, MD – An investigation into a vehicle fire that occurred on March 24, 2026, at 17636 Millers Sawmill Road in Sharpsburg, Washington County, has concluded. The incident, which involved a 1986 Pontiac Grand Prix and an adjacent garage, resulted in an estimated $25,000 in damages. The Office of the State Fire Marshal, an agency of the Department of State Police, reported that the fire was determined to be accidental in origin.

The blaze was discovered by the owner of the property. Responding to the scene, firefighters from the Sharpsburg Volunteer Fire Department worked to bring the fire under control. The incident required one alarm and the deployment of approximately 20 firefighters. They were able to achieve control of the fire within 15 minutes of their arrival. The preliminary investigation pinpointed the engine compartment of the vehicle as the area where the fire originated. Fortunately, no injuries or deaths were reported as a result of the incident, and no individuals were displaced. The estimated cost of the damage includes $5,000 to the structure and $20,000 to its contents. There were no arrests made in connection with the fire.

The Office of the State Fire Marshal is committed to protecting citizens from fire and explosion hazards through various initiatives, including education, inspections, investigations, and fire protection engineering. For further information on fire safety or to report suspicious fire activity, individuals can contact the State Fire Marshal’s office. The Western Regional Office can be reached at 301-766-3888 or via email at msp.osfmwro@maryland.gov. A dedicated Arson Hotline is also available at 1-800-492-7529 for reporting suspected arson cases. Additional resources and information can be found on the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s website and their Facebook page.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

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