Van Fire Damages Cambridge Building, Displaces Six People

Cambridge, MD - A vehicle fire spread into a commercial building in Cambridge, Maryland on Friday evening, causing an estimated $65,000 in damage. The fire broke out around 6:32 p.m. in the 600 block of Race Street in Dorchester County, Maryland. Six people were displaced as a result.

The fire started in the engine compartment of a 2001 Ford E350 van. The van was parked under the building's overhang while its occupants were conducting business inside. A mechanical failure is believed to have caused the blaze.

Flames from the van spread into the structure itself. Fire officials say the building had working smoke alarms at the time. The fire was discovered by occupants of the building.

The Rescue Fire Company led the response to the scene. The call grew to a two-alarm fire, bringing in 65 firefighters total. Crews had the fire under control within 45 minutes.

Damage estimates stand at $50,000 to the structure and $15,000 to its contents. The preliminary cause has been ruled accidental, tied to a mechanical failure within the vehicle.