Perryville Condo Fire Damage Estimate Rises

PERRYVILLE, MD — The fire marshal has released new information about the inferno that broke out on Easter morning in Perryville. Investigators provided details Thursday evening about where the three-alarm blaze began and how much damage it did to the condominium complex in northeastern Maryland.

The fire at 18 Owens Landing Court was reported at 2:34 a.m. on Sunday, April 1. It started on the third floor balcony of unit 18-C, according to the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

Because the condominium was about 55 feet from the Susquehanna River, fire boats were dispatched; officials credited firefighters from the Susquehanna Hose Company and Charlestown Fire Company who battled the blaze from the water with limiting the damage to the three buildings surrounding the one that was engulfed by flames.

"Without their response to this incident, a much [higher] property loss would have been most probable and in turn could have put many more lives at risk," the fire marshal said in a statement.

Nearly 100 firefighters responded to the blaze. Authorities said the fire boats were especially vital since the fire trucks could not be positioned effectively on the side of the building along the river.

Three people from different condominium units were taken to the hospital for treatment of injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening. By Thursday evening, authorities said that all had been released.

Damage to the condos and their contents was estimated to be $7.5 million, an increase from the preliminary estimate of $2 million, officials reported. The building where the fire started was considered a complete loss, and three buildings in the complex had extensive heat damage.

There were 24 residents displaced by the fire, who were being assisted by the Red Cross as well as family and friends.

While the cause of the blaze remains under investigation, officials said that improperly discarded smoking materials could not be ruled out.

RELATED:

• Officials Say $2M In Damage, 24 Displaced In Perryville Condo Fire
• How To Help Perryville Fire Victims

Photos courtesy of the Office of the State Fire Marshal and Susquehanna Hose Company.