Historic Annapolis Yacht Club Investigation Seeks Cause Of Massive Fire

ANNAPOLIS, MD - Investigators are trying to determine what caused a three-alarm fire that burned and severely damaged the historic Annapolis Yacht Club Saturday afternoon before being extinguished by nearly 100 firefighters.

Capt. John Bowes of the Annapolis Fire Marshal’s Office told the Capital Gazette the fire damaged the second and third floors of the building while the rest of the building was damaged by smoke. The building lacks a sprinkler system, leading Bowes to attribute that as the reason the fire got so bad.

Gov. Larry Hogan was scheduled to survey the damage at the club along with Annapolis Mayor Mark Pantelides early Sunday afternoon, according to an Associated Press report. Investigators have begun their search of the building to determine a cause of the fire.

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According to reports, a Christmas tree inside the club caught on fire but that has not been confirmed.

The fire described as a “very dangerous situation” by Annapolis Police closed roads downtown causing backups and traffic congestion as roads remained closed for hours after the fire broke out. The annual Parade of Lights was cancelled due to the fire.

“We are saddened by the events of today but thankful that no one was seriously injured,” Commodore Rod Jabin, a member of the AYC Board of Directors said in a statement Saturday.

The historic club that played host to several national and international racing events was created in 1886 as an informal canoe club, according to the AYC website. In 1904, the club had close to 30 members compared to its membership today, which stands at 1,600.

The club has been a destination spot for sailors and their families for generations. It will remain closed until further notice.

Image via Annapolis Professional Firefighters