Cause of Barn Fire Near Festival at Bel Air Under Investigation

BEL AIR, MD — A barn fire off Wheel Road caused $1,000 in damage Thursday afternoon, while the cause remains under investigation, according to the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

Youths playing paintball in the area saw smoke before 3:30 p.m. and found the exterior of a barn ablaze, officials said.

The land is owned by the Harford County Department of Parks and Recreation, which reportedly plans to use it for a future park.

Authorities thanked firefighters for their work in minimizing the damage from the blaze.

"Heavy timber construction and the quick response of Harford County firefighters containing the fire contributed to only minor damage to the barn," the fire marshal said in a statement.

The cause of the fire remained under investigation Thursday evening.

Anyone who may have information about the fire can contact the Northeast Regional Office of the State Fire Marshal at 410-836-4844.

Photos courtesy of the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

PREVIOUS REPORT — A barn blaze broke out across the street from the Festival at Bel Air shopping center Thursday afternoon, officials reported. Part of Wheel Road was reportedly closed to traffic.

After 4:15 p.m., volunteer firefighters were working to contain a small barn fire, according to Rich Gardiner of the Harford County Volunteer Fire and EMS Association.

The blaze occurred off Wheel Road on property overseen by the Harford County Department of Parks and Recreation, he said.

Nobody was injured in the blaze, Gardiner said.

The Office of the State Fire Marshal was reportedly investigating the cause of the fire.

Image via Shutterstock.