July 30th, 2018 by WCBC Radio
WCBC News reported a structure fire in Midland Saturday afternoon, which was tended to by five fire companies.
According to the Maryland State FIre Marshal's office, the occupant was not home at the time of the fire. A neighbor heard the smoke alarm and called fire department.
The occupant had lit a candle in the bedroom but did not blow it out when he left the house. Prior to leaving, he undocked his robosweeper to sweep the floor while he was away. The sweeper hit the stand and knocked the candle onto the bed causing the fire.
Fire damage was contained to the bedroom but remainder of house suffered heat and smoke damage. The occupant is being assisted by Red Cross.
MARYLAND FIRE MARSHAL
NOTICE OF INVESTIGATION
Date: July 28, 2018
Time: 1:05 p.m.
Location / Address: 19701 Thomas Hill Road, Frostburg, Allegany County
Type of Incident: structure fire
Description of Structure / Property: single-family ranch style dwelling
Owner / Occupants: Blaise Blume
Injuries or Deaths: none
Estimated $ Loss: Structure: $25,000 Contents: $25,000
Smoke Alarm Status: present and activated
Fire Alarm / Sprinkler Status: not required
Arrests(s): none
Primary Responding Fire Department: Midland
# of Alarms: 1
Discovered By: neighbor
Area of Origin: bedroom
Preliminary Cause: accidental – unattended candle
Additional Information: Occupant was not home at the time of the fire. A neighbor heard the smoke alarm and called fire department. Occupant lit a candle in the bedroom but did not blow it out when he left the house. Prior to leaving, he undocked his robosweeper to sweep the floor while he was away. The sweeper hit the stand and knocked the candle onto the bed causing the fire. Fire damage was contained to the bedroom but remainder of house suffered heat and smoke damage. Occupant is being assisted by Red Cross.