UPDATE August 3 – Official Fire Marshall’s Report: The fire was determined to be accidental due to a motor vehicle accident involving a truck and trailer backing into a natural gas line outside of the apartment complex while moving furniture. The leaking natural gas ignited the exterior of the apartment complex, in the area of the hot water heater, and spread to the attic and roof. Thirty eight individuals were displaced and are being assisted by American Red Cross and family and friends
At approximately 5:30 p.m. on July 31, firefighters from Prince Frederick and Huntingtown responded to the apartment complex at the 200 Block of Acres Way in Silverwood Apartments in Prince Frederick.
When firefighters arrived on the scene, they encountered an apartment complex fully involved on all three floors in numerous units. A ruptured gas line was discovered in two apartments. Washington Gas was called to shut down the gas in the complex as firefighters went to work battling the blaze.
A second alarm was called and units from across the area responded. The police had to work traffic and crowd control for the rest of the afternoon and into the evening as firefighters battled the stubborn blaze.
Firefighters had to avoid a potential roof collapse and firefighters were forced to evacuate the structure. The severely weakened structure teetered under the heavy water load firefighters had to use to knock down the blaze.
At approximately 6:15 p.m., the floors has collapsed and firefighters confirmed that everyone was out. The Red Cross was on the scene by 5:45. At 6:30 the fire was still working, but firefighters managed to knock down the primary by 6:40. However, there were many secondary areas that continued to need attention.
Units began being released by 7:05 p.m. It was expected that some units would remain on the scene well into the night to ensure all was down and the fires were completely out. One firefighter was injured during the firefight.
