Photo courtesy of the Waldorf Volunteer Fire Department
White Plains, MD – The Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office reported residents of apartments in White Plains were displaced as a result of a fire, Saturday evening, Jan. 3. Three animals perished in the blaze, which remains under investigation.
The one-alarm fire at Jimmie’s Paddock apartments on Crain Highway (U.S. Route 301) was reported by a nearby resident shortly after 7 p.m. Over 60 firefighters from La Plata, Waldorf, Accokeek, Bel Alton, Bryans Road and Potomac Heights were dispatched to the scene and brought the flames under control in 15 minutes.
“The fire started inside the bedroom of apartment 7,” stated Dfm. Melissa Decker. “The 10 residents from the different apartments were able to escape safely but due to the damage, they were displaced and are being assisted by the American Red Cross.”
Decker and Dfm. Don Brenneman conducted the investigation. Damage to the building is estimated at $200,000. Decker identified the building’s owners as Robert Mills and Michael Mills.
Charles County Government reported Saturday night that portions of Route 301 and Route 227 were closed for about 90 minutes while firefighters battled the blaze.
Anyone with information that might aid investigators is asked to call the Maryland Fire Marshal’s Southern Regional Office at 443-550-6820.
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com
Previous story
Updated summary from the Waldorf Volunteer Fire Department
White Plains, MD – On Jan. 3, a few minutes after 7 p.m. the Waldorf Volunteer Fire Department (Company 3) was dispatched to a working fire with a person trapped at 4740 Crain Highway.
Company 3 was the first on scene, arriving with Engine 31 and Truck 3, with Engine 32 arriving later.
Upon arrival, no occupants were inside the building. Firefighters quickly worked to knock the fire down, limiting exposures, and making multiple animal rescues. In addition to both Waldorf companies, crews from Hughesville, Bel Alton, La Plata, Potomac Heights and Bryans Road also responded to the scene.
Original story
White Plains, MD – Charles County authorities reported a building fire Saturday evening, Jan. 3 on Route 301 at Route 227. The building that was ablaze was located adjacent to a liquor store and was reportedly a dwelling unit.
Reports posted by the Waldorf Volunteer Fire Department indicated a person was in the building at the time the fire started. However, at this time there are no reports of injuries.
The Charles County Government reported last night that a portion of Route 301 was closed for over an hour while crews battled the blaze.
More details when they become available.