Warehouse Fire Damages Multiple Businesses in Anne Arundel County

A warehouse in Anne Arundel County was severely damaged by a two-alarm fire that erupted on Saturday evening in the town of Davidsonville. The blaze originated in an unoccupied tractor supply business located in the 400 block of Central Avenue, affecting three nearby businesses – outdoor equipment, septic and backhoe, and tire services.

The fire caused significant structural damage, leading to the collapse of the warehouse roof and extensive internal destruction. Rob Wilson, the proprietor of Mid-Atlantic Outdoor Equipment, one of the affected businesses, expressed the devastation, stating that the back half of the building was completely razed. Wilson’s business had been operating out of the warehouse since 2016.

Wilson lamented the timing of the fire, occurring during their peak business season when most revenue is generated for the upcoming months. As fire crews battled the flames late into the night and through Sunday morning, the intensity of the inferno required continuous efforts to control and contain it.

Don Cline from the Anne Arundel County Fire Department provided insights, mentioning the challenges faced due to the rural location of the fire. Water logistics for firefighting had to be managed by shuttling tankers and hoses to the scene. The investigation into the cause and origin of the fire is ongoing.

Firefighters pointed out that the fire likely began in the unoccupied tractor supply business at the rear of the warehouse. Despite damage to all three businesses within the structure, salvaging inventory remained a possibility for one of them, offering a glimmer of hope amid the devastation.

The resilience of the building’s construction, including firewalls and other safety features, played a role in containing the blaze to some extent. While the owners and staff grapple with the aftermath, they are optimistic about potential solutions, considering temporary setups to resume operations.

CBS News Baltimore reported that the fire was brought under control after several hours, with the collaborative efforts of multiple firefighting units culminating in the firefighting success. The precise cause of the fire that wreaked havoc on the businesses is still under investigation.