Deer Park workshop fire was accidental, started by oily rags, fire marshal says

A fire that heavily damaged a workshop on Main Street in Deer Park last weekend was accidental and started when a pile of oily rags spontaneously combusted, according to the Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office.

The fire was reported shortly after midnight on Saturday, Oct. 10, at a two-story, wood-framed workshop at 405 Main Street. The owner discovered the fire, which started on the second floor, according to the fire marshal's office.

Investigators said oily rags had been used earlier that day and were left in a pile on the second floor of the woodshop, where they ignited.

About 35 firefighters responded to the one-alarm fire, led by the Deer Park Community Volunteer Fire Department. Crews had the fire under control in about 10 minutes.

Losses are estimated at $75,000 to the structure and $25,000 to its contents, for a total of about $100,000. No injuries were reported and no one was displaced. The building did not have smoke alarms, a fire alarm system or sprinklers, investigators said.

Safety reminder: Rags soaked in oil-based stains, finishes or linseed oil can heat up and catch fire on their own as they dry. Fire officials recommend laying them flat outside to dry, away from buildings, or storing them in a sealed metal container filled with water before disposal.