April 8th, 2016 by WCBC Radio

The Maryland State Fire Marshal's office has issued a Notice of Investigation in regard to the fire that occurred in Oldtown last night that injured two individuals and destroyed the Ark of Hope Animal Rescue.

Elizabeth Care, who lives at the nearby residence, posted an update on Facebook today, and indicated that a volunteer, Cynthia Burley, was admitted to the hospital after suffering from smoke inhalation.  Dianne Care also received treatment, but has been discharged.  Elizabeth Care, who indicated she was injured while trying to get to the animals, says it will take some time to regroup and assess the situation.  She asked for prayers, and indicated a high insurance deductable may provide another hardship.

Early on, though, she related the belief they will need dog food, bowls, blankets and the like.

Local animal rescue and shelter operations are offering assistance in the short term.

NOTICE OF INVESTIGATION Date: 4/8/16 Time: 01:25 A.M. Location / Address: 13400 Arctic Ridge Lane, SE  Oldtown, Allegany County  Type of Incident: Fire  Description of Structure / Property: 58 x 58 Structure   Owner / Occupants: Ark of Hope Rescue  Injuries or Deaths:  1 Adult female treated for minor smoke inhalation,  1 Adult female treated for laceration on right forearm.  Both patients were transported to Western Regional Medical Center and released.    Estimated $ Loss: Structure: 100,000   Contents: 100,000 Smoke Alarm Status: Unknown  Fire Alarm / Sprinkler Status: Not required  Arrests(s): N/A  Primary Responding Fire Department: Oldtown # of Alarms: 1    # Of Firefighters:  32 Time to Control: 15 minutes Discovered By: Owner Area of Origin: Interior of structure Preliminary Cause: Under Investigation Additional Information: The structure is a total loss. 30 cats perished in the fire.