Watch CBS News

Firefighters Still At Massive Fire Scene in College Park

COLLEGE PARK, Md. (AP) — Firefighters are still dousing hot spots after a massive fire at a seven-story apartment building under construction near the University of Maryland.

New cell phone video shows the aftermath of what is being called the largest fire in Prince George's County history.

News outlets report that firefighters are working Tuesday to keep the fire that consumed the roof of the College Park building the size of a city block from flaring up again.

Concerns over air quality forced the University of Maryland to close early.

"Walking to class, I actually had to walk through the smoke cloud and instantly it was hard to breathe," said one student.

A senior center had to evacuate. Some students had signed leases to move into the new building in just months and are now left with nowhere to go.

"They may have to tear it down. I may have to find a new place," said student John Major.

Officials say their main focus is getting support columns set up inside so they can stabilize the building so engineers and investigators can survey the damage.

Officials always the materials used in the upper part of the building is why it burned so easily and so long.

"Once it got up in that attic space, light construction burns very rapidly," said Alan Doubleday of the PG County Fire Department.

Prince George's County police arrested a 24-year-old man they say flew a drone near the blaze Monday. Trevon Miller is charged with interfering with police and fire response and reckless endangerment.

County fire officials estimate the loss at $39 million and say the cause is under investigation. More than 200 firefighters and medics were called to the scene Monday morning and it wasn't considered under control until mid-afternoon.

Follow @CBSBaltimore on Twitter and like WJZ-TV | CBS Baltimore on Facebook

(© Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.