Cause Of Restaurant Fire Announced After Anne Arundel County Blaze

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Improperly discarded smoking materials caused the accidental blaze at Sailor Oyster Bar, the Annapolis Fire Department announced Monday evening.

"The Annapolis Fire Department would like to commend all who acted swiftly by quickly dialing 9-1-1," the agency said in a press release. "Thanks to your immediate actions, injury, loss of life, and further property damage was avoided."

Sailor Oyster Bar is temporarily closed while the owners make repairs. Officials have not yet determined the value of the property lost in last Wednesday's fire.

A photo of the damage is posted below. Residents can click here and here to learn how to help Sailor Oyster Bar and its workers.

"Thank you for all the calls, texts, donations and gifts," the eatery said on Instagram. "Sailor will be back, but it’s going to take some time. The fast-acting Annapolis Fire Department and team at Sailor that made sure nobody was hurt are the real heroes."

Multiple callers reported the blaze at 196 West Street around 8 p.m., the Annapolis Fire Department said.

First responders said they found heavy flames at the back of the two-story building in the middle of the row.

A team of about 60 firefighters controlled the blaze in roughly 55 minutes, a press release said.

Authorities are still investigating what caused the two-alarm fire.

Officials said the building had functioning smoke detectors.

The Annapolis Fire Department thanked these stations for assisting its response:

• Anne Arundel County Fire Department
• Naval Support Activity Annapolis Fire Department

Related: Sailor Oyster Bar Burns In Annapolis, Neighbors Offer Support: Report