NORTH EAST, Md. — A fire that tore through a single-family home on Vanders Lane resulted in a complete loss of the property, with damages estimated at $300,000, officials said Tuesday.
Key Points
- Fire destroyed a home on Vanders Lane in North East, Maryland, with no reported injuries
- The cause and origin of the blaze remain under investigation
- Investigators are asking for public tips to help determine what sparked the fire
The Office of the State Fire Marshal reported the incident occurred Monday at 193 Vanders Lane. A neighbor discovered the fire, which prompted a response from the North East Volunteer Fire Company. Approximately 50 firefighters responded and brought the blaze under control within an hour.
The property, owned and occupied by Robert J. Nickle Jr., was declared a total loss. No injuries or fatalities were reported, though fire protection systems such as alarms or sprinklers were either absent or inactive at the time of the fire.
Origin and cause under investigation
Authorities have yet to determine the area of origin or the preliminary cause. Investigators are treating the case as active and are requesting public assistance for any information related to the fire.
The dwelling was not equipped with any fire alarms or sprinkler systems, and the status of any smoke detection devices remains unknown.
Officials seek public assistance
“The dwelling is considered a complete loss,” investigators stated in a release. Citizens are encouraged to contact the Northeast Regional Office tip line at 410-386-3050 with any information that may assist in the investigation.
The Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office, a division of the Department of State Police, continues to lead the investigation with a focus on fire prevention and public safety.
