BALTIMORE – Investigators believe that a resident at Rosewood Center, the largest residential facility for severely disabled adults in the area, started a fire that damaged one of the buildings on the campus.
The fire started in McClure Building, home to 20 residents at the facility. No residents were hurt in the fire.
According to Division Chief Michael Robinson of the Baltimore County Fire Department, Rosewood had an effective evacuation plan. Once fire crews arrived, residents evacuated the building. The sprinkler system also prevented major havoc by keeping the fire from spreading. Firefighters were able to control the flames within 30 minutes.
The resident suspected of starting the fire is in custody. Officials are unaware how to proceed with the case because the suspect is disabled. They said it was possible that the suspect may not be charged criminally.
The fire adds to an ongoing debate as to whether or not the facility should be shut down. Residents’ families believe the problems facing the facility can be managed, while advocates for the disabled are not so favorable. There is no word how the fire will affect the debate.
