ST. MICHAELS, Md.- Authorities say a portable heater sparked a fire that caused $150,000 in damage to a home undergoing renovation in St. Michaels.
The Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office said the fire happened at around 12:35 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, at a two-story home located at 7848 Folly's Cove Road.
The owner was alerted to the fire by smoke alarms and was able to safely escape the fire. The St. Michael's Volunteer Fire Department responded to the fire and got it under control in about 15 minutes.
The fire caused an estimated $100,000 in damage to the structure and another $50,000 in damage to its contents. There were no reported injuries.
Investigators said that prior to the fire, workers were completing interior renovations within the home and were using a salamander-style heater to provide heat inside the attached garage.
The fire investigation determined the cause of the blaze was the result of the salamander-style heater igniting nearby combustible materials.