COLUMBIA, MD – Officials in Columbia have reason to suspect a fire in an apartment building on Hickory Ridge Road early Tuesday morning may have been intentionally set.
The Howard County Fire Investigation Unit, a joint team from the police and fire departments, responded to investigate an apartment fire this morning in Columbia.
“Just after 3:30 a.m., HCDFRS was dispatched to a fire in the 10400 block of Hickory Ridge Road in Columbia. Units arrived to find fire showing from the second floor and had to immediately assist several residents from the building,” the Howard County Police Department said. “The fire extended to the third floor and attic and took 45 minutes to bring under control. Twelve apartments were damaged and approximately 20 residents have been displaced. Due to minor injuries sustained during the evacuation, and one firefighter is being evaluated. The total damage to the residence is estimated to be approximately $500K.”
Detectives investigating the fire believe it may have been intentionally set after finding possible remnants of an incendiary device.