Blowtorch Ignites $200K Crofton Townhome Fire: Officials

CROFTON, MD — Workers using a blowtorch on the exterior of a Crofton townhome ignited a $200,000 fire that left six people homeless, according to the Anne Arundel County Fire Department. The two-alarm blaze has been ruled accidental by the Anne Arundel County Fire and Explosives Investigation Unit.

Just before 3:20 p.m. Thursday a caller to 9-1-1 reported there was smoke throughout the home in the 1100 block of Soho Court. The first firefighters on the scene saw smoke coming from the second floor of the middle of the group townhome. Heavy smoke was present on all levels of the home before firefighters found a fire in the basement.

A second-alarm was requested bringing 60 firefighters to the scene from Anne Arundel and Prince George’s County, Annapolis City and the Naval Academy. The fire was brought under control in about 25 minutes, officials said.

The fire was caused by the ignition of combustible materials as a blowtorch was being used on the exterior of the townhome to remove paint. Damage is estimated at $200,000.

There were no injuries. Two adults and four children displaced have been assisted by the Red Cross.

Photo courtesy of fire department