The Howard County Fire Investigation Unit, a joint team from the police and fire departments, responded to investigate an apartment fire this morning in Columbia.
Just after 3:30 a.m., HCDFRS was dispatched to a fire in the 10400 block of Hickory Ridge Road in Columbia. Units arrived to find fire showing from the second floor and had to immediately assist several residents from the building.
The fire extended to the third floor and attic and took 45 minutes to bring under control. Twelve apartments were damaged and approximately 20 residents have been displaced. Due to minor injuries sustained during the evacuation, one resident was transported to a local hospital and one firefighter is being evaluated. The total damage to the residence is estimated to be approximately $500K.
HCPD detectives have launched a police investigation to determine if the fire may have been intentionally set. Preliminarily, it appears that there may be remnants of an incendiary device, but the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information should contact investigators at 410-313-STOP or HCPDcrimetips@howardcountymd.gov.
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