CHARLES COUNTY, Md. (November 12, 2014) – Investigators from the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office were requested to respond to a reported townhouse fire at 11516 Spyglass Place in Waldorf of Charles County. The two alarm fire was originally dispatched at 9:46 am and controlled within 25 minutes by over 80 firefighters from multiple surrounding volunteer fire departments.
The fire originated on the exterior rear balcony of an end unit townhouse as a result of carelessly discarded smoking materials. Subsequently, the fire spread to the attic and across into the next two townhouse units.
Two families have been displaced and are being assisted by the American Red Cross.
Damages are estimated to be approximately $400,000 in structure and $200,000 in contents.
The fire traveled from the rear exterior of the townhouse and into the attic, spreading to adjacent attic spaces. Fire sprinklers activated in the living areas as the fire progressed to the lower floors. All occupants escaped the blaze without harm or injury.
The townhomes are fully protected by fire sprinklers inside the living areas of the dwellings. All townhomes built in Maryland since 1992 are required to have these proven life saving devices installed for the safety of all occupants.