Finding evidence of arson in one of the three fires that erupted around Chestertown before dawn Saturday, state fire marshals are taking a hard look at another — the sudden conflagration that caused $1.5 million damages at Bramble Construction on Morgnec Road.
“Investigators have determined the fire originated on the interior of the structure and the cause of the fire remains under investigation,” the office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal stated in an updated report today.
The three fires in the Chestertown area early Saturday pulled 200 firefighters from two states and wreaked damage estimated upward of $2 million.
A series of deep booms jolted some residents from their sleep shortly before dawn Saturday. Then came the screams of sirens, seemingly from every direction, that went on until daylight.
The timing of the fires, one at 3:01 a.m., another at 3.59 a.m., then another at 4:44 a.m. led some residents to speculate whether they were connected, to wonder if one were set to pull firefighters from any other.
Appearing to deflect that, Deputy State Fire Marshal Howard F. Ewing said yesterday, “There is no evidence to support that the fires are related.”
Signs of arson appeared clear in only one incident, the burning of the structure formerly known as the Church Hill Lumber Company.
“Investigators have determined the fire originated in the warehouse located behind the showroom in front of the structure and determined the fire was intentionally set,” reported the State Fire Marshal’s office.
More than 80 firefighters from Queen Anne’s, Caroline, Talbot and Kent counties rushed to this scene after it was reported at 4:44 a.m. Flames lept as high as 115 feet and smoke billowing aloft could be seen several miles. It took 90 minutes to bring it under control. Damage was estimated at $300,000.
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Taylor, who lived next to the lumberyard for 40 years, spent hours watching the property burn to the ground, fearing their house would be next.
“We thank the fire companies for saving our house,” said Mrs. Taylor. “We were very lucky.”
The costliest fire destroyed the 140 by 70-foot frame and tin structure belonging to David A. Bramble Construction, Inc., at 704 Morgnec Rd. The flames also destroyed a 1984 RC 60 Caterpillar inside the building. Damages are estimated at $1.5 million.
More than 70 firefighters from Kent, Queen Anne’s and Cecil counties, and Delaware, answered this 3:01 a.m. call. They drowned the fire in 90 minutes.
Reports the Fire Marshal, “Investigators have determined the fire originated on the interior of the structure and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.”
Between the Bramble blaze and the Church Hill fires, a 60 by 30-foot wood frame barn burst into flames on 27493 Morgnec Rd. Owned by Elizabeth Houghton, its loss is estimated at $130,000. Sixty firefighters from Chestertown, Church Hill, Betterton, Sudlersville, Crumpton, Millington, Galena and Cecilton raced to this conflagration and put it out in 45 minutes.
The Fire Marshal put the point of origin in the utility room and said the cause is “under investigation.”
No injuries are known from any of the fires.
As for the three to four huge booming sounds some people around Chestertown reported, Deputy Fire Marshal Ewing said, “We have no evidence of explosions. There were acetaline torches in the building at Brambles. But it could have been anything.”
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