A fire which may have began with the hookup of a new computer system just two days prior to the fire, according to an employee of the Bayside Chevy and Toyota dealership in Prince Frederick, may be the cause of the fire which ripped into the upper floor of the two story showroom. Firefighters using water and tools to get into closed ceilings and other areas to get all the fire out damaged a half dozen new vehicles in the showroom.  The dealership is still open and has plenty of stock to sell. 
ST. MARY'S TODAY photos
 
CAUSE DETERMINED IN DEALERSHIP FIRE


PRINCE FREDERICK, MD (May 11, 2008)—Deputy State Fire Marshals report that they have determined the cause of the April 26, 2008 fire at the Bayside Chevrolet and Toyota dealership as being accidental.

The 5:45 a.m. two-alarm fire brought firefighters from Calvert and Charles County to the scene. It took firefighters approximately one-hour to bring the fire under control. There were no reported injuries.

Deputy State Fire Marshals determined the fire that heavily damaged the 80’ by 115’ block building along with several automobiles originated in the parts room. Investigators after careful examination of the room of origin have concluded electrical wiring going to a computer may have over heated and ignited nearby combustible materials.


PRINCE FREDERICK, MD. (April 27, 2008)—Right when new cars and trucks are not exactly selling like hotcakes, a Gigantic Fire Sale may be the next blast of advertising coming from Bayside Chevy and Toyota, like many dealers, known for ads with flashing lights, bells and big letters.  This time they will be telling the truth for a change. 

A team of Deputy State Fire Marshals is continuing with their investigation into what sparked a two-alarm fire that heavily damaged the dealership.   Like many fires which take place in businesses that are failing or struggling, any investigation will include a close look at whether arson was involved.  The largest arson fire in the region at the St. Charles Sportsman Club in Waldorf endangered the lives of a dozen firefighters and that arson fire was never solved, although the owners of the club admitted that the investigators 'wore out a path' between them and their insurance agent.  Typical causes of fires in buildings such as the car dealership are electrical failures and the proximity of combustible materials and oily rags to really get the fire blazing. It could be some time before a cause is determined.

The 5: 45 a.m. fire on Saturday damaged the Bayside Chevrolet and Toyota dealership located at 1200 Solomon’s Island Road. The fire was discovered by a passerby who notified Calvert County 9-1-1 Center.

The state fire marshal reports that Prince Frederick Volunteer firefighters were dispatched to the scene for a smoke investigation. When firefighters arrived they found heavy fire conditions inside the building. A second alarm was sounded which brought additional firefighters from Calvert and Charles Counties. It took firefighters approximately one-hour to control the blaze.

Besides the damage done to the building, five automobiles belonging to the dealership and to customers suffered damage. The fire caused an estimated $3,000,000.00 damage to the building. There were no reported injuries.

Investigators have determined the fire originated in the parts room of the 80’ by 115’ block building. The exact cause for the fire remains under investigation.