FREDERICK, Md. (WUSA9) -- The fire marshal has determined the cause of a fire earlier this month that damaged 10 historic homes in downtown Frederick.
According to the Frederick County Fire Marshal's Office, the fire in the 300 block of South Market Street on November 3rd was caused by to improperly discarded smoking materials on a second floor rear deck of one of the homes. Officials say that cigarette butts and ashes should be soaked in water before being tossed in the trash.
The fire was called in at approximately 12:45 a.m. that day and went to three alarms, bringing approximately 100 firefighters to the scene.
Only two of the units were occupied when the flames broke out and no one was injured. A homeowner told us that day, "I'm lucky to be alive. I really am. I count my blessings."He says the fire moved over to his house after he got out.
Some of the homes in the area date back as far as the Civil War. Some were renovated and were up for sale. Tuesday, we learned that the damage to those homes is estimated at approximately $1 million.
