Maryland authorities are investigating a fire that brought firefighters from around the region Tuesday morning.
Firefighters were dispatched to 555 Blue Ball Road in Elkton, Maryland at 11:55 a.m., Arriving crews found multi-purpose commercial building with smoke coming from all sides. The building housed several tenants, including The Meat Shoppe, Cooper Electrical, Diesel Unlimited, Godzilla Motor Fabrication, and Iberia Holdings.
According to investigators, the blaze was discovered by the owner of Iberia Holdings in the garage area of their used auto part distribution business. Singerly Fire Company responded to the scene with the assistance of multiple fire companies from around the region. The fire, which escalated to a two-alarm incident, brought over 100 firefighters from Pennsylvania, Delaware, and several areas in Maryland. The fire was brought under control within two hours.
There were no injuries or fatalities. However, the fire resulted in significant financial losses, estimated at $500,000 for the structure and an additional $500,000 for the contents. The building was not equipped with smoke alarms, fire alarms, or sprinkler systems according to the Fire Marshal’s Office.
Investigators said they could not rule out medal grinding on a vehicle igniting nearby combustibles. Officials said the fire originated within the garage and near a vehicle located in Iberia Holdings (used auto part distributor). Firefighters were able to contain the majority of the fire to the garage of Iberia Holdings, with extensive smoke, soot, heat, and water damage to the neighboring businesses.