$1.5M Damage Estimate In Cape St. Claire Fire That Injured 2

CAPE ST. CLAIRE, MD — A fire at a Cape St. Claire apartment building caused more than $1 million in damages, and injured two people, Anne Arundel County Fire Department officials said Wednesday. The two-alarm fire was reported about 11:20 p.m. Friday in the 700 block of Southern Hills Drive. Firefighters found fire on all levels of the three-story building and flames coming through the roof in the rear of the apartment.

A second alarm was requested, bringing 65 firefighters from Anne Arundel County, Annapolis City and the Naval Academy to the scene. All of the residents were out of the apartments before firefighters arrived. The fire was brought under control in about 90 minutes.

A 70-year-old resident was taken to Anne Arundel Medical Center with serious injuries related to smoke inhalation, authorities say. One firefighter was taken to the Burn Center at John Hopkins Bayview Hospital with a minor burn injury.

Twelve apartments in the building where the fire began sustained severe damage including holes in the floors and structural collapse. Another 12 apartments in an adjacent building were displaced overnight while the building inspector checked for damage and utility service was restored.

The Red Cross responded and helped five adults and two children who were displaced by the fire.

The fire is under investigation by the Anne Arundel County Fire Department Fire and Explosives Investigation Unit.

Photo courtesy of the fire department