VALLEY LEE, April 23, 2024 – A fire broke out at Champion Used Auto Parts located at 45864 Usher Lane, resulting in significant damage to the single-story auto parts facility and leaving one individual injured. The incident occurred at approximately 2:46 P.M.
The structure, assessed at an estimated loss of $1.1 million, including $600,000 for the building and $500,000 for its contents, was swiftly engulfed in flames. The fire, discovered by an employee, originated from the interior of the building where an employee was reportedly working on a vehicle.
One adult male employee sustained burns to his upper body and was promptly airlifted to Washington Hospital Center for treatment. Fortunately, his injuries were deemed non-life-threatening.
The Second District Volunteer Fire Department responded to the scene, deploying 95 firefighters to combat the blaze. It took approximately two hours to bring the fire under control, with a total of two alarms raised during the incident.
Despite the presence of a smoke alarm, the absence of a fire alarm or sprinkler system likely contributed to the extent of the damage. Investigations into the cause of the fire revealed that it was accidental in nature.
“This was a tragic accident resulting in significant damage to the facility and injuries to one of our employees,” stated a representative from Champion Used Auto Parts. “Our thoughts are with the injured individual, and we are cooperating fully with authorities as they investigate the incident.”
The Maryland State Police Trooper 6 airlifted the injured employee to the hospital, showcasing the coordinated efforts of emergency responders to ensure swift medical attention.
As the investigation continues, authorities urge caution in similar workplace environments to prevent future incidents.