One person suffered burns, and an auto parts facility was entirely consumed by flames during a two-alarm fire on Tuesday in St. Mary’s County.
The incident took place at Champion Used Auto Parts on Usher Lane in Drayden. The Maryland Fire Marshal reported that the worker sustained upper body burns while working on a vehicle when the fire ignited. The injured individual was airlifted to Washington Hospital Center for evaluation and treatment of non-life-threatening burns following the blaze, which started around 2:45 p.m., Tuesday.
Nearly 100 firefighters from multiple agencies worked tirelessly for around two hours to bring the blaze under control, with the fire causing over a million dollars in damage. Residents were advised to exercise caution and avoid the vicinity as emergency responders battled the fire.
Firefighters from the Second District Volunteer Fire Department, along with support from neighboring departments, battled the blaze for about two hours, eventually bringing it under control. However, despite their efforts, the auto parts facility was irreparably damaged and deemed a total loss. Investigators determined the cause of the fire to be accidental, estimating the damage at approximately $1.1 million. A Facebook post from the Second District Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad urged the public to steer clear of the area for safety.
The Second District Volunteer Fire Department confirmed that the fire was accidental and caused extensive damage to the auto parts facility. The building was rendered a complete loss due to the fire that started in the early afternoon on April 23. The injured worker, who faced burns to the upper body, was promptly airlifted to Washington Hospital Center for care and evaluation.