Unattended Burn Barrel Blamed in Havre de Grace Blaze; Fire Destroyed Multiple Vehicles and Sheds

From the Office of the State Fire Marshal:

Deputy State Fire Marshals have determined the cause for the fire that destroyed multiple vehicles, a pull behind generator and two small sheds located on the property of 4064 Gravel Hill Road on May 16, 2015. The property was located at the end of an approximate 1,000 foot dirt driveway. A roll-back tow truck and the structures owned by Edward Rembold, is considered a complete loss with an estimated value of $10,000.00.

Investigators determined the accidental fire originated within a metal 55-gallon drum used as a burn barrel. The cause for the fire was determined to be the result of the burn barrel being left unattended and embers and radiant heat igniting nearby combustibles including trash and construction debris. The fire then ignited an Ingersoll-Rand portable generator and subsequently ignited a roll-back tow truck and a nearby 2000 Ford Windstar van owned by Rembolds grandson, Christopher Garrett. Rembold discovered the fire and attempted to remove the tow truck by pulling it away from the fire by using a backhoe. Due to intense heat and flames, Rembold was unable to do so. Numerous calls were made to Harford County 911 after witnesses reported observing a heavy plume of smoke coming from the area.

No injuries were reported during the 5:01 PM blaze which brought nearly 60 firefighters from Level, Susquehanna, Aberdeen, Bel Air and Rising Sun. Firefighters brought the two-alarm blaze under control in approximately 45 minutes after arriving at the scene.