Investigators say it was due to an e-cigarette that failed.
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Apartment fire in Sykesville, Feb. 4th, 2024. (Photos from Carrol County Fire News)
Sykesville, Md (KM) The Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office says the cause of a fire in Carroll County Monday night was accidental. .
At 6:46 PM, fire fighters were dispatched to the Sykesville Apartments at 7405 Village Road for an apartment fire. They spent ten minutes bringing the flames under control. There were no injuries.
Investigators say the fire originated in a bedroom and was due to an e-cigarette that failed, igniting bedding material while it was charging. Damage is estimated at $200,000 to the structure, and $50,000 to the contents. .
The Fire Marshal’s Office says the fire was contained to apartment 25, but eleven other apartments sustained varying degrees of smoke, water and soot damage. 19 people were temporarily displaced.
For those who use e-cigarettes, the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office says it’s important to use caution and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Also, do not charge your e-cigarette with a phone or tablet charger. Fire officials says replace the batteries if they get wet or damaged, and do not charge your e-cigarette overnight. In addition, protect your e-cigarette from extreme temperatures, and store loose batteries for e-cigarettes in a case. And keep them from metal objects.
By Kevin McManus