Brick multi-story building on fire with flames and thick smoke billowing from the roof; surrounding lawn and trees in the foreground.

April 26, 2026

Arson Investigators Probe Two Fires at Vacant State Hospital Buildings in Sykesville

Sykesville, MD — Two vacant buildings at the Springfield Hospital Center caught fire early Saturday, prompting an arson investigation after firefighters discovered separate blazes at adjacent properties. The fires were reported just before 8:00 a.m. at 1121 and 1123 2nd Street, both part of Maryland Department of Health property.

Fire crews from the Sykesville Freedom District Fire Department and surrounding agencies responded and found both structures burning upon arrival, an unusual scenario that led investigators to treat the incidents as suspicious from the outset.

Two Buildings Burning Simultaneously

Deputy State Fire Marshals were called to the scene and are actively investigating the fires as possible arson, according to the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal.

The fact that two separate buildings ignited at nearly the same time has become a central focus of the investigation. Officials have not released details about how the fires started or whether any accelerants were found.

Both buildings were unoccupied at the time, reducing the risk of injuries but raising questions about why the structures were targeted.

Arson investigators probe two fires at vacant state hospital buildings in sykesville
Photo: arson investigators probe two fires at vacant state hospital buildings in sykesville

State Property Under Investigation

The burned buildings are part of the Springfield Hospital Center campus, a state-run facility operated by the Maryland Department of Health. Officials have not said how the vacant structures were being used or whether they had been secured prior to the fires.

No injuries have been reported, and the extent of the damage has not yet been detailed.

Key Points
• Two vacant buildings caught fire early Saturday at Springfield Hospital Center
• Fires at 1121 and 1123 2nd Street are being investigated as possible arson
• No injuries reported; both properties belong to Maryland Department of Health

Public Asked for Help

Investigators are asking anyone with information about the fires to contact the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office at 410-386-3050.

Authorities noted that the information released so far is preliminary, and additional updates will be provided as the investigation develops.

Ongoing Status

Deputy State Fire Marshals remain on scene working to determine the cause and origin of both fires. The case is being treated as an active arson investigation, with no suspects publicly identified at this time.