Fire at shopping center deemed accidental by investigators

UPDATE

California, MD – A two-alarm fire that damaged part of a St. Mary’s County shopping center was determined to have been accidentally sparked, state fire officials reported. The late night blaze occurred Thursday evening, Dec. 20 at San Souci Plaza. No injuries were reported. 

“The fire was the result of an electrical malfunction and originated on the exterior of the retail space in the covered area above the sidewalk,” the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office reported. “Multiple adjoining retail spaces sustained smoke damage as well.”

the retail space was vacant. A passerby reported the fire to authorities.

California, MD – Several fire companies responded to a two-alarm fire late Thursday evening, Dec. 20 at San Souci Plaza on MacArthur Boulevard. The initial call was dispatched at 11:36 p.m., according to St. Mary’s County authorities. No injuries have been reported at this time. A report from the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office is pending.