5-year-old set fire causing damage in elkton

ELKTON, Md., Aug. 16, 2024 — A fire that broke out Friday afternoon at 268 Hollingsworth Manor in Elkton, Cecil County, destroyed a shed and caused significant damage to nearby structures, according to local authorities.

The blaze was reported at 4:18 p.m. at an approximately 8-by-12-foot tarp-covered shed owned by Hollingsworth Apartments LLC. The fire was discovered by an occupant of the property and was quickly extinguished by the Singerly Fire Company, which responded with 30 firefighters. The fire was brought under control in 10 minutes.

Investigators determined that the fire originated inside the shed after a five-year-old child of the occupant, identified as Kara Larson, set an item on fire. The shed, valued at approximately $15,000, and its contents, estimated to be worth $10,000, were completely destroyed. The fire also caused extensive radiant heat damage to the back of the home and neighboring sheds.

No injuries were reported, and no arrests have been made. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

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