The fire that devastated a property leased by Washington College on the 500 block of Washington Avenue was started by near a plastic smoker’s receptacle outside the building.
Maryland State Fire Marshall’s Office said their assessment was based on video surveillance of the area. Flames from the receptacle ignited nearby mulch and bushes.
The Fire Marshall also estimated damage assessment at $3.5 million to include the loss of the building and contents inside. The College’s main servers were not at this location.
College Relations VP Michael O’Conner says that the upcoming arrival of students will not be affected and computer and communications systems will not be disrupted.
The 1500 sq. ft. wood and brick building was used for IT and Business purposes.
80 firefighters fought the blaze for three hours Saturday night. Four fighters were hospitalized briefly for minor injuries. No one was in the building at the time.
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