LA PLATA, Md. — An electrical malfunction involving an exterior security light caused the early morning fire at Sage Point Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in La Plata that forced the evacuation of dozens of residents, investigators have determined.
The two-alarm fire broke out just after 4 a.m. on Aug. 28, 2026, with flames and heavy smoke reported near the rear and roof area of the facility.
Deputy State Fire Marshals determined the fire originated near an exterior security light and spread into the attic above the facility’s 300 wing.
Approximately 55 firefighters from the La Plata Volunteer Fire Department and surrounding departments responded.
Staff members, firefighters and law enforcement worked together to evacuate 32 residents from the affected wing and move them to another area of the facility while crews extinguished the fire.
One resident sustained an injury during the evacuation and was transported to a local hospital. A police officer was evaluated at the scene but was not transported.
The building’s fire alarm system activated, and fire doors operated as designed, helping contain smoke to the affected wing.
Although the attic is not protected by sprinklers, all occupied portions of the nursing and rehabilitation center are protected by a fire sprinkler system.
Firefighters brought the blaze under control in approximately 20 minutes.
Damage was estimated at $100,000 to the structure and $25,000 to its contents.
The Office of the State Fire Marshal remained at the facility with health department representatives and local code officials to verify that life-safety systems were operating properly and determine whether unaffected portions of the building could remain safely occupied.
A total of 32 residents were displaced from the affected wing.
The initial response included a second alarm and a mass-casualty assignment because of the number of residents who needed to be evacuated and evaluated.
All residents and staff were ultimately accounted for, and no additional serious injuries were reported.
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