3-Alarm Fire at Reisterstown Auto Parts Store Ruled Arson

Last night's three-alarm blaze at a Reisterstown auto parts store has been ruled an arson by Baltimore County fire investigators.

A man is in custody and will be charged with first-degree arson, BCoPD investigators said.

The working fire at Advance Auto Parts, 11900 block of Reisterstown Road, 21136, was dispatched at 9:37 p.m. First-arriving crews called a second alarm at 9:44 p.m. due to the nature of the fire and its rapid spread. Fires at auto supply stores are typically long-lasting and difficult to fight because of the presence of fuels, tires and various hazardous materials.

At 10:02 p.m., a Mayday was called when an interior ceiling collapsed on a Fire Lieutenant from Randallstown Station #18. Commanders sent a Rapid Intervention Team to rescue him. when the RIT team found the trapped lieutenant, he was disoriented but able to walk out of the building. He was evaluated at the scene by EMS personnel and transported to a local hospital with non life-threatening injuries. He has been released.

A third alarm was called at 10:03 p.m. After the Mayday, commanders moved to defensive operations. Firefighters fought the fire from outside, maintaining a safety perimeter and staying out of the collapse zone.

Rigorous safety protocols, including rehabilitation, hydration and decontamination for fire crews, were followed throughout this extended operation.

Crews remained at the scene this morning, conducting overhaul operations.