Published: May 08, 2008 01:53 pm         

Scooter Sparks Blaze

Patrolling trooper discovers fire in Bel Air Plaza business

CUMBERLAND - An accidental fire caused several thousand dollars in damages to a Bel Air Plaza business early Thursday that would have been even greater had the fire not been detected quickly by a Maryland state trooper while on patrol.

Darrel Smith, owner of Modern Mobility, said the fire apparently was related to a battery in the scooter where the fire originated.

Smith also said the business suffered a loss considerably greater than estimated by the fire investigators, due to the nature of the business. "We won't know exactly how much until the appraisers get here to assess the damage," he said.

The damages were estimated at $5,000 to the single-story building and $3,000 to its contents. There were no injuries reported in the 1:07 a.m. incident at 16119 McMullen Highway.

The damage was described as "minimal" although there was smoke damage to the business and an adjoining business.

The cause of the fire in a shop area of the business was determined to be due to electrical malfunction of a scooter, according to Deputy Fire Marshal Jamie Rodeheaver.

The call to the Allegany County 911 Joint Communications Division prompted alert of various volunteer fire companies and the Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office.

Cresaptown, Bowling Green, LaVale and Rawlings fire companies responded with some units on the scene for three hours. Cresaptown ambulance stood by during the call.

Modern Mobility will be closed until Monday but calls may be placed to the business at (301) 729-5459.

"Had it not been for a Maryland State Police trooper riding by at the time of the fire, it would have been traumatic," said Smith.

"The trooper (J.L. Layton) was on patrol and saw the garage door open 8 to 10 inches and saw a glow inside.

"The garage door was actually lifted up by the heat from the fire when it expanded to the garage door latch and allowed it to open. The fire was hot enough to melt the blades of a huge ceiling fan in the shop," said Smith.

The business owner also commended the volunteer firefighters. "I've got to give credit to the firefighters," said Smith. "They did an excellent job in controlling the fire."

Smith said nearby businesses Back to Basics chiropractic office and The Clock Shop also sustained smoke damage as a result of the early-morning fire.

Contact Jeffrey Alderton at jlalderton@times-news.com.