Published: May 11, 2008 12:12 am         

5/11 - Fire damages near $200,000

An insurance adjuster’s value of the loss from the fire at a Bel Air Plaza business on Thursday totaled $150,000 for contents and $45,000 to the building.

A preliminary state fire marshal’s report indicated a total loss of about $8,000. There were no injuries reported in the 1:07 a.m. incident at Modern Mobility, located at 16119 McMullen Highway.

Owner Darrel Smith said the increase was due in part to “extensive smoke damage throughout the store.”

He said he plans to open a temporary location for the next three months as soon as this week.

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 fire was reported by a Maryland State Police trooper on patrol.

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