Maryland Fire Marshal Investigates Multiple Washington County Incidents in Early July

Multiple fire incidents, including vehicle and structure fires, are under investigation by the Office of the State Fire Marshal in Washington County, Maryland, during the first week of July. These events highlight the ongoing work of fire investigators to determine causes and ensure public safety. The investigations aim to provide clarity on the circumstances surrounding each fire, which involved property damage and displacement of residents.

A vehicle fire that occurred on July 2nd at 4:42 PM on Hunters Green Parkway in Hagerstown is currently under investigation. The incident involved a 2024 Cadillac CTS, with damage estimated at $20,000. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as a result of this fire. The Volunteer Fire Company of Halfway responded to the scene, with five firefighters bringing the blaze under control within 10 minutes. The fire’s origin was determined to be the engine compartment, and the preliminary cause remains under investigation.

Also on July 2nd, a structure fire was reported at 3:42 PM at 618 W. Franklin Street in Hagerstown. This incident affected the top floor of an apartment building, resulting in an estimated loss of $4,000 to the structure and $1,000 to contents. Three individuals were displaced by the fire. The Hagerstown City Fire Department responded with 32 firefighters, controlling the fire in 15 minutes. The fire alarm present in the unit activated and alerted residents. Investigators have preliminarily determined the cause to be accidental, with the area of origin identified as the kitchen. The American Red Cross is providing assistance to the displaced residents.

On July 3rd, a structure fire occurred at 8:45 PM at 22029 Mohawk Circle in Smithsburg. The incident involved a two-story single-family dwelling and resulted in an estimated $5,000 in structural damage and $1,000 in content damage. Three residents were displaced. The Smithsburg Volunteer Fire Company, with 46 firefighters, responded and controlled the fire in 15 minutes. The fire originated on the second-floor bedroom, and investigators have preliminarily classified the cause as accidental. The occupants are receiving assistance from the American Red Cross.

A more significant structure fire took place on July 5th at 4:00 PM at 9316 Garis Shop Road in Hagerstown. The fire impacted a two-story single-family dwelling, causing an estimated $450,000 in structural damage and $50,000 to contents. Two residents were displaced due to this incident. The Funkstown Volunteer Fire Department led the response with 110 firefighters, bringing the fire under control in 30 minutes. The origin of this fire was the basement, and the preliminary cause is currently under investigation. The Salvation Army, along with family members, are providing support to those affected.

The Office of the State Fire Marshal is dedicated to protecting citizens through education, inspection, investigation, 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 at 301-766-3888.

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

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