Dorchester: Under Inv. American Legion Cambridge

FIRE DAMAGES AMERICAN LEGION POST

CAMBRIDGE, MD. (May 3, 2016) – Deputy State Fire Marshals are investigating the origin and cause of a fire which was reported to Dorchester County 911 at 11:14 am today. The 3 alarm fire was reported at a commercial building known as The American Legion Dorchester Post # 91 located at 601 Radiance Drive.

The fire brought 50 firefighters from Rescue Fire Company and surrounding departments to the scene and took approximately 2 hours to bring under control. Damages to the 12,000 square foot structure and contents inside are estimated to exceed $ 900,000.00 dollars. The structure was occupied at the time of the fire and no injuries were reported. The fire was reported to 911 by a passerby. At essentially the same time, the occupants of the building were being notified by the building’s fire alarm system.

The investigation has determined that the fire originated above the facility’s main banquet hall. The cause is currently still under investigation, but most likely can be attributed to a lightning strike to the structure Monday night.

Anyone with additional information in reference to this fire is urged to contact the Lower Eastern Region Office of the State Fire Marshal at 410-713-3780.