On Saturday, March 27, at approximately 5:50 a.m., Dunkirk Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad received a call from a passing motorist for report of a building fire at the Country Plaza Shopping Center located at 10086 Southern Maryland Blvd in Dunkirk.
Upon arrival, firefighters saw heavy smoke and flames coming from the 200′ x 60′ commercial building/strip mall and immediately dispatched a second alarm. The structure contained multiple commercial properties to include M & T Bank, McCormick Paints, a tanning salon, Black Belt Karate, H&R Block, Sassy Seamstress Gift Shop, Dunkirk Cleaners, a Barber Shop and two vacant spaces.
Smoke alarms were present and activated, unfortunately no sprinkler system was in place.
Fire Investigators responded to the scene, and believe the fire started in the rear of the McCormick Paint store. The fire spread throughout the building to the adjoining occupancies.
Heavy overhaul was required and because of the paint run-off from the paint store, HAZMAT crews will be looking into any concern with this matter.
No injuries were reported.
Over 50 firefighters from Dunkirk, Huntingtown and North Beach of Calvert County, Harwood-Lothian and Deale of Anne Arundel County and Marlboro of PG County helped to battle the blaze. Calvert County Sheriff’s, MSP, State Highway and MD Dept of the Environment were also responded to the scene.
The cause of the fire appears to be arson
Anyone with information about this fire is asked to call the Maryland State Fire Marshall’s Southern Regional Office at (443) 550-6833.
