A discarded cigarette or cigar sparked an early-morning blaze at a Port Deposit apartment building on Thursday. An on-duty Maryland State Police trooper and an off-duty Cecil County Sheriff’s Office deputy worked together to stop the flames from spreading, according to officials from the Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal.
On-duty MSP trooper, off-duty CCSO deputy battle Port Deposit porch blaze
Key Takeaways:
- The incident occurred early Thursday morning.
- Investigators blamed smoking materials for the fire.
- An on-duty MSP trooper and an off-duty CCSO deputy battled the flames.
- The porch of a Port Deposit apartment building was damaged.
- The Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal handled the investigation.
The Early-Morning Emergency
An early-morning blaze broke out on Thursday, causing damage to a porch attached to an apartment building in Port Deposit. The fire, reported before dawn, prompted an immediate response from local law enforcement officials.
A Swift Joint Response
While the Maryland State Police trooper was on duty at the time, a Cecil County Sheriff’s Office deputy, though off duty, also rushed to the scene. Their prompt actions helped prevent further damage to the building, demonstrating the importance of swift cooperation among first responders.
What Investigators Found
According to the Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal, the blaze was traced to a discarded cigarette or cigar that ignited the porch. Investigators noted that such fires are preventable when smoking materials are disposed of properly.
Lessons for Public Safety
Even minor items like cigarette butts can spark serious property damage if not handled carefully. The trooper and deputy’s rapid response likely prevented a more severe outcome. The original news feed did not provide further details on property loss or injuries, but officials continue to underscore the importance of fire safety practices, especially when it comes to handling smoking materials.