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Shortly before 10:40 p.m. on Sunday night, firefighters were called to Innovative Auto Auction (IAA) on Zeitler Road in Elkton, when a passerby reported seeing flames to the Singerly Fire Company.
The fire sparked at 9:06 p.m., but wasn't called in until 10:39 p.m. on June 30, officials noted.
Investigators from the Office of the Maryland Fire Marshal said that an electrical malfunction within the engine compartment of a 2020 Kia Rio sparked the blaze, which spread to 26 other vehicles.
Twenty-seven vehicles sustained damage that ranged from total loss to minimal fire damage, though the final cost and loss figures are still being determined by the company as of Monday, July 1.
The area experienced heavy thunderstorms prior to the fire and investigators cannot rule out that rain may have contributed to an electrical failure within the engine compartment, investigators added.
According to the fire marshal, "IAA sells a variety of cars, trucks, SUVs, and motorcycles through live auctions with live internet bidding to sell drivable vehicles, lightly damaged and repairable vehicles, recovered vehicles, parts vehicles, and donation vehicles," with more than 150 auction centers across the country.
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