Fire Marshal Determines Cause of Gravel Hill Road Blaze

The fire that spread across a scrapyard in Havre de Grace last month began with an unattended burn barrel, according to the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

The May 16 blaze caused a total of $10,000 in damage to several structures and vehicles located at the end of a dirt driveway in the the 4000 block of Gravel Hill Road, the fire marshal said in a report released Tuesday.

Two small sheds, a roll-back tow truck, several other vehicles and a pull-behind generator were among the items lost, the report stated.

The fire was ruled accidental, starting with a 55-gallon metal drum that was being used as a burn barrel, the fire marshal reported.

Multiple witnesses called 911 to report heavy plumes of smoke coming from the area at approximately 5:01 p.m. on May 16, according to the report.

When the barrel was left unattended, embers and radiant heat set ablaze nearby trash and construction debris, which spread to a generator, roll-back tow truck and van belonging to the property owner’s grandson, the report stated.

Related: Gravel Hill Road Fire Under Investigation

The owner’s grandson attempted to get the tow truck away from the fire with a backhoe but was unable because of the heat and flames, the fire marshal reported.

Nearly 60 firefighters responded—from the Susquehanna Hose Company, Level, Aberdeen, Bel Air and Rising Sun—bringing the blaze under control in 45 minutes, according to the fire marshal.