PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. (March 23, 2011) – Deputy State Fire Marshals continue to investigate the cause of a late evening fire Thursday, March 17, which destroyed a Prince Frederick business. A team of investigators remained on scene throughout the day conducting interviews and a fire origin and cause investigation. The fire heavily damaged the 8,400 square foot metal building.
The fire at the Sager Floor and Tile located at 1520 Security Boulevard was reported to 911 by a passerby at 10:22 p.m. A Calvert County Sheriff’s Deputy arrived to the scene first and discovered smoke coming from the building. The two alarm fire brought sixty firefighters from Calvert, Charles, Anne Arundel, and St. Mary’s Counties.
One firefighter sustained second degree burns to his wrist and was transported to the Washington Hospital Burn Center for treatment.
As part of the investigation members of the Charles County Sheriff’s Department K9 unit and the Maryland State Police Aviation conduct a search of the surrounding wooded area during the fire. This search did not reveal any indication or evidence of unusual activity around the building.
Fire Investigators have determined that the fire originated in a work area of the rear of the warehouse. This area is used by the business to apply stains and finishes to wood products. The cause of the fire remains under investigation at this time.
Damages to the business and its contents are estimated at $1.5 million. Three people are currently employed at the business as well as numerous sub-contractors.
The Calvert County Investigative Team assisted in the investigation.