Waldorf, MD – A fire at a Waldorf grocery store Christmas morning was sparked by faulty lighting, state investigators reported. According to the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office, the blaze at Tienda y Camiceria on Crain Highway was discovered by a passerby Sunday, Dec. 25 shortly before 2 a.m.
“The owners of Tienda y Camiceria secured their business the evening of Dec. 24 around 5:45 p.m.,” the investigating deputy fire marshal reported. “Citizens driving by reported smoke coming from the building. Investigation revealed that a fluorescent light malfunctioned, causing the fire. There was fire and water damage to [an] adjoining business. There were no reported injuries.”
Damage to the building and its contents is estimated at $450,000.
Over 40 firefighters were dispatched to the one-alarm blaze and brought it under control in 10 minutes.
The family-owned business has been closed indefinitely. Efforts to raise funds for the store’s 18 employees who now find themselves suddenly out of work are underway. A fundraiser featuring a live deejay was planned for Wednesday, Dec. 28 at 5 p.m. at 2427 Crain Highway in Waldorf. A Gofundme page has also been established at https://www.gofundme.com/help-employees-of-burned-down-store
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com
Update — 2:23a.m. Fire departments have fire under control with more water on the way
Update — 1:59a.m. Fire departments arrive at Los Compadres Restaurant with fire coming through the roof.
Waldorf Md. — Dec. 25, at 1:55am. reports of a commercial building fire summons Waldorf Volunteer Fire Department to a small multi-business strip mall on Crain Highway.
