Latest news with #MarylandOfficeoftheStateFireMarshal
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Yahoo
Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal warns about ‘Chromebook Challenge' causing fires, smoke
MARYLAND (DC News Now) — The Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) said that there is a 'concerning' new Officials said that students have been putting electrically conductive items into electronic devices' charging ports in what is called the 'Chromebook Challenge.' 'This reckless behavior has been linked to several incidents resulting in fires, smoke, and property damage,' OSFM said in a news release. OSFM said that this 'challenge' started being documented on May 5. In some cases, there have been emergency evacuations at schools across Maryland. School officials: students setting laptops on fire, connected to TikTok trend 'We want to emphasize the importance of educating students about the dangers associated with these acts,' Acting State Fire Marshal Jason Mowbray said in the release. 'It is crucial that parents and educators work together to promote a culture of safety and responsibility regarding electronic devices.' OSFM encourages parents to discuss the dangers of such acts with their children. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Washington County, Maryland, lifts burn ban, but officials urge residents to use caution
Washington County's Office of Emergency Management has lifted the countywide burn ban as of 8 a.m. Monday, March 10. County officials announced last Friday afternoon the burn ban would be lifted, the same afternoon about 10.5 acres of woodland and a shed were burned in the Clear Spring area due to an equipment fire, according to the Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal. The burn ban was put in place a week earlier due to heightened fire danger and in the wake of several outdoor fires. Recent rain and increased humidity have improved conditions, according to a county news release about the burn ban being lifted. However, county officials are asking residents to "remain vigilant and take necessary precautions when conducting outdoor burning activities," the release states. They're coming back: Cicadas set to bring the buzz to Maryland this year: When and where Brood XIV is emerging "We appreciate the cooperation of our residents and businesses during this burn ban," said Alan Matheny, the county's emergency management director, in the release. "Your efforts have helped protect lives and property, and we encourage continued fire safety awareness." County officials remind residents to adhere to local and state fire regulations and use caution when doing any outdoor burning. Best practices the county provided for outdoor burning are: Never leave fires unattended Keep a water source nearby If the wind is blowing, don't burn Ensure fires are fully extinguished before leaving the area The burn ban was lifted by order of the county commissioners. Windy conditions persisted through the weekend, with winds reaching over 35 mph multiple times on Saturday and around 30 mph on Sunday, according to local weather observer Greg Keefer's website at The next chance for rain in the Hagerstown area is Saturday and there is an 80% chance of showers on Sunday, according to the National Weather Service's online forecast. Among the wildfires to occur during the burn ban, was a fire that started early Friday afternoon west of Clear Spring after the owner of a backhoe turned it on to let it warm up and went into the residence, according to the state fire marshal's office. When the owner returned, he saw the backhoe on fire and went back into the home to get a phone to call 911, according to a news release from the fire marshal's office. The fire spread, burning a nearby shed and about 10.5 acres of woodland. The estimated loss of the shed was $20,000, including contents valued at $10,000, the release states. Thirty-one firefighters responded to the fire, which took about 2 1/2 hours to get under control, the release states. The fire, ruled accidental, originated in the backhoe's engine compartment. The Clear Spring Volunteer Fire Co. was the primary responder to the fire in the 11400 block of National Pike. This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Washington County, Maryland, lifts burn ban
Yahoo
01-03-2025
- Yahoo
Cumberland man charged with setting mother's car on fire
CUMBERLAND — A Cumberland man was arrested in connection with setting his mother's vehicle on fire in November, according to the Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal. Terry Lynn Ford Jr., 24, was taken into custody Wednesday by the Cumberland Police Department. Just after 8 a.m. on Nov. 1, city firefighters were dispatched for a vehicle fire in front of 883 Patterson Ave. Upon arrival, they discovered a fire inside a 2005 Toyota Camry Solara. A joint investigation between the Cumberland Fire Marshal's Office and the Office of the State Fire Marshal concluded the fire was intentionally set, causing around $5,000 in damages to the car and the adjacent home. Investigators contacted Ford on the day of the fire, and he reported that his mother had purchased the vehicle from another person, and it had been inoperable for several months. He told them he woke up to "boom" sounds, discovered the vehicle "blowing up" and on fire, and attempted to extinguish the fire. Ford was later developed as a suspect and investigators said he used an explosive device to set the vehicle on fire. He was charged with possession of an explosive device with intent, manufacturing/possession of a destructive device, second-degree arson, malicious burning first-degree, malicious burning second-degree and malicious destruction of property. Ford was initially held without bond and later released after a bail review hearing in district court on Thursday.
