CLEMENTS, Md. — A fire severely damaged a two-story single-family dwelling in St. Mary’s County, Maryland, on Monday evening, but no injuries were reported, according to fire officials. The Seventh District Volunteer Fire Department responded to the blaze at 24000 block of Long Road in Clements, controlling the fire within 15 minutes of arrival.
The incident, which occurred around 7:18 p.m., resulted in an estimated $100,000 in damages to the property owned by Robert Pasarrel. Authorities indicated that the fire started accidentally in an upstairs bedroom, but specific details on the cause are still under investigation.
A total of 48 firefighters tackled the fire, managing to confine the damage primarily to the area of origin. Despite the presence of a smoke alarm, the house did not have a sprinkler system, which might have mitigated the extent of the damage.
Homeowner Robert Pasarrel discovered the fire, enabling a swift emergency response that potentially saved the structure from further damage. The fire department’s prompt response and effective action were crucial in preventing any injuries and keeping the fire contained.
While the investigation into the exact cause continues, officials remind residents of the importance of maintaining working smoke alarms and considering the installation of fire sprinkler systems to enhance safety.
