CAUSE DETERMINED IN MULTI-ALARM SOLOMONS FIRE
CALVERT COUNTY, MD (May 25, 2021) - The Office of the State Fire Marshal, in conjunction with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, has concluded the cause of last night's multi-alarm fire that caused nearly 3 million in damages was an accident.
Investigators determined a candle being used by a homeless person taking refuge inside a camper trailer located to the rear of the building ignited combustibles before spreading to the adjacent structure. The subject inside the 25-foot trailer was able to escape and temporarily fled from the area.
Investigators worked throughout the night and into the early morning hours and identified the 38-year-old man after being transported to a local hospital for an unrelated medical emergency.
Firefighters were dispatched to 13860 HG Trueman Road in Solomons around 10:45 p.m. for a building fire. Firefighters arrived to find the shopping plaza located just before the Governor Thomas Johnson Bridge ablaze. It took nearly 4-hours and multiple fire departments from Calvert, St. Mary's, Charles, and Prince Georges counties to bring the fire under control. No injuries were reported, and firefighters were successful in rescuing two pets from Solomons Veterinary Medical Center.
The investigation continues, and Deputy State Fire Marshals will consult with the Calvert County State's Attorney's Office relating to the subject trespassing onto the property.
**MEDIA CONTACT**
S/DSFM-Acting PIO Oliver Alkire
Contact: (443) 619-2192